Abstract:
An electrical connector tool assembly is disclosed. The tool assembly includes a conductor tool and a connector tool connected to and cooperable with the conductor tool. The tool assembly can be used in connecting a first conductor to a second conductor with an electrical connector. The tool assembly is adjustably arranged and disposed to receive and removably retain a first conductive member of an electrical connector in the connector tool and is further arranged and disposed to both to hold the second conductor in place relative to a second conductive member of the electrical connector and to prevent rotation of the second conductive member with respect to the first conductive member.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to tools for installing and removing electrical connectors. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a tool assembly as used in the utility industry for the prevention of shock to utility workers. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Electrical utility firms such as those constructing, operating or maintaining overhead and/or underground power distribution networks utilize connectors to tap main power transmission conductors and feed electrical power to distribution line conductors, sometimes referred to as tap conductors. The main power line conductors and the tap conductors are typically high voltage conductors that are relatively large in diameter and the main power line conductor may be differently sized from the tap conductor. As a result, specially designed connector components are often needed to adequately connect tap conductors to main power line conductors. Generally, three types of connectors are commonly used for such purposes: bolt-on connectors, compression-type connectors, and wedge connectors. 
         [0003]    In the installation and removal of electrical connectors, hot stick tools reduce risk of shock and help access connectors that are difficult to reach. A hot stick tool includes a pole and a tool for adjusting a connector. The pole is an insulated pole, usually made of fiberglass or another insulated material. In addition to providing electrical insulation for the individual, the pole provides physical separation from the power lines. The physical separation reduces the chance of burns that could result from electrical arcing that may occur due to a malfunction of the power lines. The tools include mechanical systems, hydraulic systems, and pneumatic impact tools. 
         [0004]    Generally, bolt-on connectors require a specific tool permitting the bolt to be adjusted from a safe distance. Compression connectors require a specific tool allowing for the necessary deformation of the connector. Wedge connectors often require a specific tool permitting the use of explosive cartridges packed with gunpowder to drive the wedge member of the wedge connectors into C-shaped members. 
         [0005]    Bolt-on connectors, sometimes referred to as clam shell connectors, typically employ die-cast metal connector pieces or connector halves formed as mirror images of one another. Each of the connector halves defines opposing channels that axially receive the main power conductor and the tap conductor, respectively, and the connector halves are bolted to one another to clamp the metal connector pieces to the conductors. Bolt-on connectors have been widely accepted in the industry primarily due to their ease of installation, but such connectors are not without disadvantages. For example, proper installation of such connectors is often dependent upon predetermined torque requirements of the bolt connection to achieve adequate connectivity of the main and tap conductors. Applied torque in tightening the bolted connection generates tensile force in the bolt that, in turn, creates normal force on the conductors between the connector halves. 
         [0006]    Compression connectors may include a single metal piece connector that is bent or deformed around the main power conductor and the tap conductor to clamp them to one another. Such compression connectors are generally available at a lower cost than bolt-on connectors, but are more difficult to install. Hand tools are often utilized to bend the connector around the conductors. In addition, because the quality of the connection is dependent upon the relative strength and skill of the installer, widely varying quality of connections may result. 
         [0007]    Wedge connectors include a C-shaped channel member that hooks over the main power conductor and the tap conductor. Wedge connectors also include a wedge member having channels on opposing sides configured to be driven through the C-shaped member, deflecting the ends of the C-shaped member and clamping the conductors between the channels in the wedge member at the ends of the C-shaped member. Such connectors tend to be more expensive than either bolt-on or compression connectors, but are generally believed to provide superior performance over bolt-on and compression connectors. For example, such connectors include a wiping contact surface that, unlike bolt-on and compression connectors, is stable, repeatable, and consistently applied to the conductors, and the quality of the mechanical and electrical connection is not as dependent on torque requirements and/or relative skill of the installer. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,309,263 (the &#39;263 patent), which is herein incorporated by reference but not intended as limiting, discloses an assembly comprising a first conductive member comprising a first hook portion and a first base wedge portion, the first hook portion extending from the first wedge portion and adapted to engage a first conductor. A second conductive member is also disclosed that comprises a hook portion and a wedge portion; the hook portion extending from the wedge portion and adapted to engage a second conductor. The wedge portion of the first conductive member and the wedge portion of the second conductive member disclosed in the &#39;263 patent are adapted to nest with one another and be secured to one another. The assembly disclosed in the &#39;263 patent further comprises a displacement stop that is located on at least one of the first and second conductive members. The displacement stop is positioned to define a final displacement relation between the first and second conductive members once fully mated. The displacement stop defines a final mating position between the first and second conductive members independent of an amount of force induced upon the first and second conductors by the first and second conductive members. 
         [0009]    The style of electrical connector disclosed in the &#39;263 patent cannot easily be installed using any existing hot stick tool due to the differences between it and more traditional bolt-on connectors, compression-type connectors and wedge connectors. In addition, newer connectors, such as those disclosed in the &#39;263 patent, include features of each of the bolt-on connectors and wedge connectors. Existing hot stick tools are not able to adequately accommodate such a combination of features. While installing such electrical connectors by other means, such as wearing rubber or insulated gloves, is possible, such methods frequently are not permitted based upon local law and/or labor contracts. 
         [0010]    Therefore, there is an unmet need to provide a hot stick tool capable of being used for installation of certain types of electrical connectors. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    This disclosure relates to an electrical connector tool assembly, a conductor tool and a connector tool that meets one or more of those unmet needs. 
         [0012]    According to an embodiment, an electrical connector tool assembly includes a conductor tool and a connector tool connected to and cooperable with the conductor tool. The assembly is for use in connecting a first conductor to a second conductor with an electrical connector. The tool assembly is adjustably arranged and disposed to receive and removably retain a first conductive member of an electrical connector in the connector tool. The tool assembly is also arranged and disposed to hold the second conductor in place relative to a second conductive member of the electrical connector and to prevent rotation of the second conductive member with respect to the first conductive member. 
         [0013]    According to another embodiment, a connector tool includes an arm portion adapted to be attached to a hot stick. The arm portion comprises a mechanism arranged and disposed to releasably retain an electrical connector having a first conductive member connected to a second conductive member by a fastener, a guide surface arranged and disposed to receive the first conductive member of the electrical connector, and a guide recess arranged and disposed to receive a fastener head. The connector tool is arranged and disposed to be cooperable with a second tool for installing the electrical connector. 
         [0014]    According to yet another embodiment, a conductor tool for use with an electrical connector having a first conductive member connected to a second conductive member by a fastener having an axis is disclosed in which the conductor tool comprises a base adapted to be attached to a hot stick and at least one retention member extending away from the base and configured to hold a conductor in place with respect to the second conductive member. The conductor tool is cooperable with a second tool to install the electrical connector. 
         [0015]    An advantage of the present invention is the increased ability to avoid electrical shock when installing specific electrical connectors. 
         [0016]    Another advantage of the present invention is the ability to prevent a connector from spinning around a bolt. 
         [0017]    Yet another advantage of the present invention is the providing of compliance. 
         [0018]    Still yet another advantage of the present invention is the ability to limit movement to substantially two-dimensional movement. 
         [0019]    A further advantage of the present invention is the ability to permit portions of a connector to flex as the connector mates while grasping onto the connector. 
         [0020]    Further aspects of the foregoing are disclosed herein. The features as discussed above, as well as other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1A  illustrates an embodiment of an electrical connector in a mated position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 1B  illustrates an embodiment of an electrical connector in an open position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  illustrates a conductor tool according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a connector tool according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a connector tool according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  illustrates an electrical connector tool assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5A  illustrates an electrical connector tool assembly containing a conductor tool and a connector tool prior to closing the electrical connector. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5B  illustrates an electrical connector tool assembly containing a conductor tool and a connector tool after closing the electrical connector. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is 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. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1A  illustrates an embodiment of an electrical connector  102  in a mated position. As illustrated, connector  102  includes two substantially similar portions configured to be used as an electrical connector for high voltage utility conductors. In some embodiments, the portions may be identical. In other embodiments, the portions may be geometrically dissimilar. Connector  102  is configured to electrically connect a main power conductor  104  and a tap conductor  106 . It will be apparent that the term “main power conductor” is differentiated from “tap conductor” for explanatory purposes only and should not be considered to limit the disclosure to the exemplary configuration. In one embodiment, connector  102  is specifically configured for power utility applications wherein mechanical and electrical connections between tap conductor  106  and main power conductor  104  are to be established. Tap conductor  106  and/or main power conductor  104  (sometimes referred to as a distribution conductor) may be a known high voltage conductor having a generally cylindrical form and a multi-filamental structure. Tap conductor  106  and main power conductor  104  may be of the same conductor gauge or different conductor gauge in different applications. Connector  102  is adapted to accommodate a range of conductor gauges for each of tap conductor  106  and main power conductor  104 . 
         [0031]    When installed to tap conductor  106  and main power conductor  104 , connector  102  provides electrical connectivity between main power conductor  104  and tap conductor  106  to feed electrical power from main power conductor  104  to tap conductor  106 , for example, in an electrical utility power distribution system or to feed electrical power from tap conductor  106  to main power conductor  104 . 
         [0032]    Connector  102  includes a tap conductive member  112 , a main conductive member  110 , and a fastener  108  that couples tap conductive member  112  and main conductive member  110 . As illustrated, fastener  108  is a threaded member having a head  109 , which threaded member is inserted through main conductive member  110  and tap conductive member  112 . In one embodiment, the fastener  108  approximates a carriage bolt with a hex-shaped head, having a square cross-sectional shoulder (not shown) intermediate the fastener shaft and a hex shaped head  109 . The shoulder and head  109  may be separated by a flange  111 . 
         [0033]    Turning to  FIG. 1B , fastener  108  is inserted through a nut  114  and a lock washer  116  permitting fastener  108  to engage tap conductive member  112  and main conductive member  110 . In one embodiment, a cross-sectional area of a fastener bore  118  is larger than an outer diameter of fastener  108 , thereby providing some relative freedom of movement of fastener  108  with respect to fastener bore  118 . While specific fastener elements  108 ,  114  and  116  are illustrated in  FIGS. 1A  &amp; B, it is understood that other known fastening means may be used. 
         [0034]    Tap conductive member  112  includes a wedge portion  120  and a channel portion  122  extending from wedge portion  120 . Fastener bore  118  is formed in and extends through wedge portion  120 . Wedge portion  120  further includes an abutment face  124 , a wiping contact surface  126  angled with respect to abutment face  124 , and a conductor contact surface  128  extending substantially perpendicular to abutment face  124  and obliquely with respect to wiping contact surface  126 . Channel portion  122  extends away from wedge portion  120  and forms a channel or cradle  142  adapted to receive tap conductor  106  at a spaced relation from wedge portion  120 . A distal end  144  of channel portion  122  includes a radial bend that wraps around tap conductor  106 , about one-hundred-and-eighty circumferential degrees in an exemplary embodiment, such that distal end  144  faces toward wedge portion  120 , and wedge portion  120  overhangs cradle  142 . In one embodiment, channel portion  122  may resemble a hook and wedge portion  120  and channel portion  122  together resemble the shape of an inverted question mark. In the illustrated embodiment, two cradles  142  are illustrated; however, conductive member  112  may include one cradle  142  or any number of cradles  142 . The presence of multiple cradles  142  permit connector  102  to be utilized in conjunction with a wider variety of conductor gauges, materials, and structures. 
         [0035]    As with wedge portion  120 , main conductive member  110  includes a wedge portion  130  and a channel portion  132  extending from wedge portion  130 . Fastener bore  118  is formed in and extends through wedge portion  130 . Wedge portion  130  further includes an abutment face  140 , a wiping contact surface  136  angled with respect to abutment face  140 , and a conductor contact surface  138  extending substantially perpendicular to abutment face  140  and obliquely with respect to wiping contact surface  136 . Channel portion  132  extends away from wedge portion  130  and forms a channel or cradle  146  adapted to receive main power conductor  104  at a spaced relation from wedge portion  130 . A distal end  148  of channel portion  132  includes a radial bend that wraps around main power conductor  104 . The bend is about one-hundred-and-eighty circumferential degrees in an exemplary embodiment, such that distal end  148  faces toward wedge portion  130 , and wedge portion  130  overhangs cradle  146 . In one embodiment, channel portion  132  may resemble a hook, and wedge portion  130  and channel portion  132  together resemble the shape of an inverted question mark. In the illustrated embodiment, two cradles  146  are illustrated; however, conductive member  110  may include one cradle  146  or any number of cradles  146 . Where multiple cradles  146  are used, they are ordinarily differently sized and each of the cradles accommodates a conductor of different gauge. The multiple cradles  146  permit connector  102  to be utilized in conjunction with a wider variety of conductor gauges, materials, and structures. 
         [0036]    Wedge portions  120 ,  130  are substantially identically formed and share the same geometric profile and dimensions to facilitate mating of tap conductive member  112  and main conductive member  10 . In one embodiment, channel portions  122 ,  132  may have different dimensions as appropriate to engage to differently sized conductors  106 ,  104  while maintaining substantially the same shape of tap conductive member  112  and main conductive member  110 . Identical formation of the wedge portions  120 ,  130  may enhance versatility in choosing tap conductive member  112  and main conductive member  110  for differently sized conductors  106 ,  104  while achieving a repeatable and reliable connecting interface via the wedge portions  120 ,  130 . 
         [0037]    Referring still to  FIG. 1B , wiping contact surfaces  126 ,  136  are configured to slidably engage, thereby producing a wiping contact interface that ensures adequate electrically connectivity. Conductor contact surfaces  128 ,  138  provide wiping contact interfaces with tap conductor  106  and main power conductor  104  upon mating of connector  102 . When connector  102  is in the fully mated position, main power conductor  104  is captured between channel portion  132  of main conductive member  110  and conductor contact surface  128  of wedge portion  120  of tap conductive member  112 . Likewise, tap conductor  106  is captured between channel portion  122  of tap conductive member  112  and conductor contact surface  138  of wedge portion  130  of main conductive member  110 . When fully mated, abutment faces  124 ,  140  engage channel portions  122 ,  132  (respectively) to form a displacement stop that defines and limits a final displacement relation between tap conductive member  112  and main conductive member  110 . The displacement stop defines a final mating position between tap conductor  106  and main power conductor  104  independent of an amount of force induced upon tap conductor  106  and main power conductor  104  by the main conductive member  110  and tap conductive member  112 . 
         [0038]    When abutment faces  124 ,  140  of wedge portions  120 ,  130  contact channel portions  122 ,  132 , connector  102  is fully mated. A displacement stop allows fastener  108  to be continuously tightened until abutment faces  124 ,  140  fully seat against channel portions  122 ,  132 , independent of, and without regard for, any normal forces created by tap conductor  106  and/or main power conductor  104 . When connector  102  is in the fully mated position, the interference between tap conductor  106  and main power conductor  104  and connector  102  produces a contact force adequate to provide an electrical connection. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 4 and 5A  &amp; B illustrate a electrical connector tool assembly  402  for use with the installation of connector  102 . In  FIG. 4 , electrical connector tool assembly  402  includes a conductor tool  202  and a connector tool  302  slidably attached by a pin  214 . In one embodiment, electrical connector tool assembly  402  further includes a hot stick  504 . As will be readily appreciated, the term “hot stick” as used herein is meant to refer to any non-conductive pole for manipulating, at a distance, tools or equipment operating on, or in close proximity to, high voltage lines. Electrical connector tool assembly  402  is configured to permit connector  102  to be inserted therein, permitting electrical connector tool assembly  402  to be used to electrically connect conductors, such as main power conductor  104  and tap conductor  106 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , connector  102  has not yet been inserted into electrical connector tool assembly  402 ;  FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate connector  102  inserted into electrical connector tool assembly  402  prior and subsequent to being installed. 
         [0040]      FIG. 2  illustrates the conductor tool  202  according to an embodiment of the invention. Conductor tool  202  is configured to work in conjunction with a corresponding tool to facilitate assembly of connector  102  as an electrical connector, such as connector tool  302 . In the illustrated embodiment, conductor tool  202  is configured to releasably and slidably attach to connector tool  302 . Conductor tool  202  includes a plurality of retention members  204 , a base  206 , a compliance mechanism to exert a force which keeps tap conductor  106  fixed with respect to tap conductive member  112  until connector  102  is fully mated, and a plurality of assembly lobes  210 . 
         [0041]    Retention members  204  are configured to grasp and/or retain tap conductor  106  in a fixed position with respect to tap connector  112  while connector  102  is being engaged (see  FIG. 5A ). Retention members  204  are shown as semi circular protrusions shaped in a hook-like geometry but may be any geometry permitting conductor tool  202  to hang from tap conductor  106 . As few as one retention member  204  may be included, but any number of retention members  204  may be included. 
         [0042]    Base  206  is generally a cuboid structure but may be of any geometry. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , base  206  houses a portion of the compliance mechanism. The illustrated compliance mechanism is comprised of plunger  208 , an eye loop  216  (which may be substantially similar to a universal stick adapter), a compliance washer  218 , a screw  220 , and a compliance nut  228 . As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various other configurations may be used to act as a compliance mechanism. In one embodiment, the compliance mechanism may include a spring. In another embodiment, the compliance mechanism may include a flexible hook member. 
         [0043]    Plunger  208  permits connector  102  to rest on plunger  208  between retention members  204 . Plunger  208  controls movement by providing force between plunger  208  and tap conductive member  112 . In one embodiment, plunger  208  has a substantially flat surface corresponding with a substantially flat surface on the tap conductive member  112 . In another embodiment, plunger  208  may include ridges corresponding with the external geometry of tap conductive member  112 . Plunger  208  is configured to provide force upon tap conductive member  112  of connector  102  during installation. The force is provided by the rotation of eye loop  216 . Upon the rotation of eye loop  216 , screw  220  pushes plunger  208  toward connector  102 . When connector  102  provides force against plunger  208 , compliance washer  218  and compliance nut  228  provide an opposite force, depressing compliance washer  218  slightly and thereby permitting compliance washer  218 , screw  220 , plunger  208 , and compliance nut  228  to act as a compliance mechanism. 
         [0044]    As illustrated, assembly lobes  210  include a plurality of lateral slots  212 . Assembly lobes  210  are configured to permit a corresponding tool to fit between them and to be slidably attached thereto by pin  214 , which extends through lateral slots  212 . The assembly lobes  210  are additionally configured to prevent the corresponding tool from rotating in relation to the conductor tool  202  thereby preventing rotation of connector  102  about the axis of fastener  108 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , pin  214  extends through an assembly washer  224 ; a cotter pin  226  is depicted as preventing pin  214  from falling out of lateral slots  212 . As will be readily appreciated, other fastening means permitting assembly and sliding may be used. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 3A , an exemplary embodiment of connector tool  302  according to the invention is illustrated. The connector tool  302  includes an arm portion  304  and a conductor stop  310  adjustably attached to arm portion  304  by top bolt  318 . Arm portion  304  includes a substantially vertical slot  306  configured to permit pin  214  from the corresponding tool to be inserted through slot  306 , while permitting connector tool  302  to slide substantially vertically along slot  306 . Arm portion further includes a guide surface  314  geometrically configured to control movement of main conductive member  110  prior to and during assembly of connector  102 . Arm portion  304  includes a lateral bolt  320  configured to abut a portion of electrical connector  102 , such as main conductive member  110  of connector  102 , while electrical connector  102  is being installed. Upon being rotated, lateral bolt  320  provides force holding main conductive member  110  of connector  102  in place. In relation to connector  102 , lateral bolt  320  should be positioned to abut a portion of main conductive member  110  that does not flex during installation of connector  102 . 
         [0046]    Conductor stop  310  includes guide barrier  312  protruding from a distal end  308  of conductor stop  310 . Conductor stop  310  acts to provide a physical barrier over certain regions of connector  102  and defines a distance of maximum travel to the conductor being inserted. Conductor stop  310  may be re-positioned by loosening top bolt  318 , sliding conductor stop  310  along a slot adjacent top bolt  318 , and tightening top bolt  318 . Such re-positioning may prevent conductor  104  from being improperly positioned adjacent to wedge portion  130  of connector  102  or, in embodiments with a plurality of cradles  142  of differing sizes, from being improperly positioned in the wrong sized cradle  142 . Proper positioning of conductor  104  is beneficial because positioning conductor  104  in the area covered by guide barrier  312  could prevent connector  102  from properly closing and may result in an inadequate electrical connection. As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , in one embodiment, connector tool  302  does not include conductor stop  310 . 
         [0047]    Connector tool  302  is configured to work in conjunction with a corresponding tool to facilitate assembly of connector  102 . In the illustrated embodiment of connector tool  302 , connector tool  302  is configured to releasably and slidably attach to conductor tool  202 . As best seen in  FIG. 3B , guide surface  314  is geometrically configured to provide alignment means for main conductive member  110  of connector  102  while connector  102  is being inserted into connector tool  302 . Specifically, the geometrical configuration includes an angled portion corresponding with the external geometry of the wedge portion  130  of connector  102  and a guide recess  316 . The guide recess  316  provides clearance to receive fastener head  109  so that the guide surface  314  is in contact with main conductive member  110 . Recess guide  316  also limits axial movement of the fastener head  109  away from connector  102 . In embodiments in which the fastener  108  includes a square shoulder, this limitation of axial movement by guide recess  316  keeps the fastener head  109  (or flange  111 ) in sufficient proximity to main conductive member  110  such that at least a portion of the shoulder remains within the fastener bore  118 . The fastener bore  118  is sized such that the square cross-section of the shoulder prevents the fastener  108  from rotating with respect to connector  102  when nut  114  is tightened. In another embodiment, guide recess  316  acts as a socket, having a cross-sectional area and depth to prevent head  109 , and thus the remainder of fastener  108 , from turning as nut  114  is rotated and tightened during installation of connector  102 , regardless of the presence of any fastener shoulder. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIGS. 5A &amp; 5B , electrical connector tool assembly  402  is configured to facilitate installation of connector  102  to provide an electrical connection. To install connector  102  by using electrical connector tool assembly  402 , a utility worker places connector  102 , with main conductive member  110  and tap conductive member  112  attached (but not yet fully mated) by fastener  108 , into connector tool  302  of electrical connector tool assembly  402 . Connector  102  is placed with main conductive member  110  abutting guide surface  314  while permitting fastener head  109  to be positioned in guide recess  316 . Lateral bolt  320  is tightened to secure main conductive member  110  of connector  102  in place, while tap conductive member  112  remains attached, but loose, due to fastener  108  not being fully tightened. Then, while plunger  208  is positioned away from tap conductive member  112 , conductor tool  202  is manipulated to position tap conductor  106  into the desired cradle  142  of tap conductive member  112 . Next, plunger  208  is urged toward tap conductive member  112  by rotation of eye loop  216 . Eye loop  216  is tightened until tap conductor  106  is tightly engaged by tap conductive member  112 . Connector tool  302  is positioned so that main conductor  104  is in the appropriate cradle  146  of main conductive member  110 . In one embodiment, guide barrier  312  of cable stop  310  may be used as a guiding means to prevent improper installation of main conductor  104  by acting as a physical barrier to travel. Upon proper positioning of main conductor  104 , nut  114  on fastener  108  is tightened, thereby mating tap conductive member  112  and main conductive member  110  and completing installation of conductor  102  with respect to conductors  104 ,  106 . 
         [0049]    To assist in grabbing conductors  104 ,  106 , connector tool  302  and/or conductor tool  202  may be manipulated in a two-dimensional manner. Conductor tool  202  and connector tool  302  may be manipulated while pin  214  slides through lateral slots  212  and slot  306 . Such configuration limits the movement of connector tool  302  and conductor tool  202  with respect to each other thereby further preventing rotation of the tools and limiting the tools to two-dimensional movement. In one embodiment, such configuration is desirable because an adapter  502  attached to arm portion  304  may be attached to hot stick  504 , which permits maneuvering of connector tool  302 . Adapter  502  may be a universal hot stick adapter, which is well known in the art. Similarly, eye loop  216  may be attached to hot stick  504 , which permits maneuvering of conductor tool  202 . In addition, in one embodiment, in combination with the tightening of nut  114  on fastener  108 , manipulation of the connector tool  302  and/or conductor tool  202 , directly or by use of hot stick  504 , may aid in closing connector  102  to provide an electrical connection. 
         [0050]    Upon connector  102  being mated, eye loop  216  may be rotated in the opposite direction to lower plunger  208  and lateral bolt  320  may be rotated in the opposite direction to release tool assembly  402  from connector  102 . 
         [0051]    While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, the materials disclosed as comprising the embodiments are exemplary and not exhaustive. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.