Patent Publication Number: US-2004045174-A1

Title: Cable cutter/crimper mechanism

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE  
     [0001] This patent application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/079,089, filed Feb. 20, 2002, and entitled “Cable Cutter/Crimper Mechanism”, which in turn claims the benefit of domestic priority of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/291,513, filed May 16, 2001, and entitled “Improved Cable Cutter/Crimper Mechanism”. 
    
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] A novel tool for cutting/crimping a workpiece, such as a cable, is provided.  
       [0003] There are many different types of tools that cut/crimp cables in many different ways. These tools generally cut through cables in one of two ways. The first way is by scissor cutting in which the blades of the cutter cut through the cable during a single closing motion of the handles of the cutter. The second way is by a ratchet mode. The ratchet mode provides a slower cut in which the blades of the tool slowly cut through the cable with each opening and closing motion of the handles of the cutter. The scissors cut generally provides a cut much quicker. The ratchet mode cut is preferred for a larger, thicker cable over the scissors cut because it provides a mechanical advantage to reduce operator effort.  
       [0004] Thus, there is a need for a tool that is capable of cleanly cutting through thick cable in a ratchet mode cut, but that also provides a faster cutting action than do ratchet mode cutters in the prior art.  
       OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005] A primary object of the invention is to provide a cable cutter/crimper having an automatic rapid advance feature.  
       [0006] Another primary object of the invention is to provide a cable cutter/crimper having an automatic blade return feature whereby the blades automatically return to their original position at the end of the cutting/crimping cycle.  
       [0007] An object of the invention is to provide a cable cutter/crimper that is easier to use and of a lower cost than prior cable cutters/crimpers.  
       [0008] A further object of the invention is to provide a cable cutter/crimper which makes use of the opening stroke of the handle to rapidly close the blades.  
       [0009] Another object of the invention is to provide a cable cutter/crimper which only requires one hand of a user to open the blades, allowing the user&#39;s free hand to grab the cable and insert it between the blades.  
       [0010] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a cable cutter/crimper in which the release mechanism cannot be accidentally actuated in the middle of the cutting cycle.  
       [0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a cable cutter/crimper that can be manufactured with various blade configurations for cutting/crimping copper, aluminum and steel reinforced power cables.  
       [0012] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a cable cutter with enough mechanical advantage to cut Cardinal ACSR cable but fast enough to cut 300 MCM copper cable.  
       [0013] Other features and advantages of the tool which incorporate features of the present invention will become apparent upon a reading of the attached specification, in combination with a study of the drawings.  
       [0014] Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, a novel tool for cutting/crimping a workpiece, such as a cable, is provided. The tool includes an automatic rapid blade advance such that the blade on a movable jaw of the tool advances toward cutting the cable every time the handles of the tool are closed. The automatic rapid blade advance also advances the blade on the movable jaw toward cutting the cable every time the handles of the tool are opened up until the blade on the movable jaw first encounters a resistive force from the cable. The tool also includes an automatic blade return such that the blade on the movable jaw automatically returns to its original position after the blade has cut through or crimped the cable. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0015] The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are described in detail hereinbelow. The organization and manner of the structure and operation of the invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals identify like elements in which:  
     [0016]FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a tool which incorporates the features of the present invention;  
     [0017]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the tool;  
     [0018]FIG. 2 a  is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the tool shown in FIG. 2;  
     [0019]FIG. 2 b  is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the tool shown in FIG. 2;  
     [0020]FIG. 2 c  is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the tool shown in FIG. 2;  
     [0021]FIG. 2 d  is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the tool shown in FIG. 2; and  
     [0022] FIGS.  3 - 9  are side elevational views of the tool depicting a complete cutting/crimping cycle with the tool of a workpiece.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT  
     [0023] While this invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail, a specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated.  
     [0024] A tool  20  which is used to cut and/or crimp a workpiece  22 , such as cable, is provided. The tool  20  is preferably used to cut and/or crimp copper, aluminum and steel reinforced power cables. A side elevational view of the tool  20  which incorporates features of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1.  
     [0025] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 2 a,  the tool  20  includes an elongated first lever  24  which has a first portion  26  and a second portion  28 . The first portion  26  and the second portion  28  can be integrally formed or can be formed separately and connected by suitable means at one of their respective ends.  
     [0026] The first portion  26  is preferably a circular cylinder, although the first portion  26  could take on many different shapes, and is utilized as a handle portion. The first portion  26  can also be encompassed by a fiberglass portion  27  as illustrated in, for example, FIG. 1. The first portion  26  and/or fiberglass portion  27  can have a gripping material  30 , as illustrated in FIG. 1, wrapped at least partially therearound such that a user&#39;s hand can easily grip the first portion  26  of the first lever  24 . The length of the first portion  26  can also be varied if desired.  
     [0027] The second portion  28  is preferably an elongated member which is rectangular in crosssection, although the second portion  28  could take on many different shapes. The second portion  28  has a pair of apertures  32 ,  34  therethrough. The second portion  28  has a height that is larger than a height of the first portion  26 , but the second portion  28  and the first portion  26  have a thickness that are substantially equivalent.  
     [0028] An elongated second lever  36  is shown in FIGS. 2 and 2 b.  The elongated second lever  36  has a first portion  38  and a second portion  40 . The first portion  38  and the second portion  40  can be integrally formed or can be formed separately and connected by suitable means at one of their respective ends.  
     [0029] The first portion  38  is preferably a circular cylinder, although the first portion  38  could take on many different shapes, and is utilized as a handle portion. The first portion  38  can also be encompassed by a fiberglass portion  39  as illustrated in, for example, FIG. 1. The first portion  38  and/or fiberglass portion  39  can have a gripping material  42 , as illustrated in FIG. 1, wrapped at least partially therearound such that a user&#39;s hand can easily grip the first portion  38  of the second lever  36 . The length of the first portion  38  can also be varied if desired.  
     [0030] The second portion  40  is preferably an elongated member which is rectangular in cross-section, although the second portion  40  could take on many different shapes. The second portion  40  has a pair of apertures  44 ,  46  therethrough. The second portion  40  has a height that is larger than a height of the first portion  38 , but the second portion  40  and the first portion  38  have a thickness that are substantially equivalent.  
     [0031] A member  48 , as illustrated in FIG. 2 a,  includes a first portion  50 , a second portion  52  and a bridge portion  54 . The first portion  50  is generally L-shaped such that first portion  50  has a height from a first end thereof to a middle thereof that is less than a height from the middle thereof to a second end thereof. The first portion  50  has an elongated slot  56  therethrough at the middle of the first portion  50  such that a portion of the slot  56  is positioned between the first end and the middle while another portion of the slot  56  is positioned between the middle and the second end.  
     [0032] The first portion  50  has an aperture  58  therethrough proximate to the first end thereof. The first portion  50  has an aperture  60  therethrough and an aperture  62  therethrough which are both proximate to the second end thereof Aperture  60  is positioned near a top of the first portion  50  while aperture  62  is positioned near a bottom of the first portion  50 . The first portion  50  further has an aperture  64  therethrough that is positioned near a bottom of the first portion  50  proximate to the middle of the first portion  50  and below the portion of the slot  56  that is positioned between the middle and the second end of the first portion  50 . The first portion  50  further has an aperture  66  therethrough. Aperture  66  is positioned near a bottom of the first portion  50  and between aperture  62  and aperture  64 . Aperture  64  and aperture  66  are distanced from one another the same distance that aperture  32  and aperture  34  are distanced from one another for reasons that will become apparent herein.  
     [0033] The second portion  52  of member  48  is a mirror image of the first portion  50  of member  48  and, therefore, the second portion  52  will not be described in detail. The apertures and slots within the second portion  52  will be referenced herein by the same reference numeral as their corresponding apertures and slots in the first portion  50 , i.e., aperture  58  in first portion  50  corresponds to aperture  58  in second portion  52 .  
     [0034] The first portion  50  and the second portion  52  of member  48  are connected to one another by the bridge portion  54 . The bridge portion  54  is generally U-shaped and has a base portion  68 , an extending portion  70  that extends from one end of the base portion  68  and an extending portion  72  that extends from an opposite end of the base portion  68 . Extending portion  70  connects to a top of the first portion  50  from the first end of the first portion  50  to the middle of the first portion  50 . Extending portion  72  connects to a top of the second portion  52  from the first end of the second portion  52  to the middle of the second portion  52 . The bridge portion  54  is generally integrally formed with the first and second portions  50 ,  52 , however, the bridge portion  54  can be formed separately therefrom and connected to the first and second portions  50 ,  52  by suitable means.  
     [0035] The bridge portion  54  has a width that is large enough such that the first portion  50  and the second portion  52  are spaced apart from one another a distance that allows the first portion  50  to be positioned on one side of the first lever  24  while the second portion  52  is positioned on an opposite side of the first lever  24 .  
     [0036] The member  48  is connected to the first lever  24  by suitable connecting means, such as a pair of fasteners  74 ,  76 . As best illustrated in FIG. 2, fastener  74  is inserted through aperture  64  of the first portion  50  of member  48 , through aperture  32  of the second portion  28  of lever  24 , and through aperture  64  of the second portion  52  of member  48 . The fastener  74  can be secured outside the second portion  28  of member  48  by suitable means, such as a nut  78 . As best illustrated in FIG. 2, fastener  76  is inserted through aperture  66  of the first portion  50  of member  48 , through aperture  34  of the second portion  28  of lever  24 , and through aperture  66  of the second portion  52  of member  48 . The fastener  76  can be secured outside the second portion  28  of member  48  by suitable means, such as a nut  80 .  
     [0037] A generally triangular member  82 , as illustrated in FIG. 2 a,  has an aperture  84  therethrough at a first corner thereof, an aperture  86  therethrough at a second corner thereof, and an aperture  88  therethrough at a third corner thereof. The generally triangular member  82  also has an aperture  90  therethrough which is positioned between aperture  84  and aperture  88 . Aperture  84  and aperture  90  are distanced from one another the same distance that aperture  44  and aperture  46  are distanced from one another for reasons that will become apparent herein.  
     [0038] A generally triangular member  92 , which is the same as member  82 , is illustrated in FIG. 2 b.  The generally triangular member  92  has an aperture  94  therethrough at a first corner thereof, an aperture  96  therethrough at a second corner thereof, and an aperture  98  therethrough at a third corner thereof. The generally triangular member  92  also has an aperture  100  therethrough which is positioned between aperture  94  and aperture  98 . Aperture  94  and aperture  100  are distanced from one another the same distance that aperture  44  and aperture  46  are distanced from one another for reasons that will become apparent herein.  
     [0039] The generally triangular member  82  and the generally triangular member  92  are connected to the member  48  by suitable means, such as fastener  102 . As best illustrated in FIG. 2, fastener  102  is inserted through aperture  96  of generally triangular member  92 , through aperture  62  of the first portion  50  of member  48 , through aperture  62  of the second portion  52  of member  48 , and through aperture  86  of generally triangular member  82 . The fastener  102  can be secured outside the generally triangular member  82  by suitable means, such as a nut  104 . The fastener  102  allows the member  48  to pivotally rotate with respect to the generally triangular member  82  and the generally triangular member  92 , thus allowing the pivotal rotation of the first lever  24  with respect to the generally triangular member  82  and the generally triangular member  92 .  
     [0040] The generally triangular member  82  and the generally triangular member  92  are connected to the second lever  36  by suitable connecting means, such as a pair of fasteners  106 ,  108 . As best illustrated in FIG. 2, fastener  106  is inserted through aperture  94  of generally triangular member  92 , through aperture  44  of the second portion  40  of the second lever  36 , and through aperture  84  of the generally triangular member  82 . The fastener  106  can be secured outside the generally triangular member  82  by suitable means, such as a nut  110 . As best illustrated in FIG. 2, fastener  108  is inserted through aperture  100  of generally triangular member  92 , through aperture  46  of the second portion  40  of the second lever  36 , and through aperture  90  of the generally triangular member  82 . The fastener  108  can be secured outside the generally triangular member  82  by suitable means, such as a nut  112 . This allows relative movement between the first lever  24  and the second lever  36 .  
     [0041] A first jaw  114  is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2 c.  The first jaw  114  has an outer edge  116  and an inner edge  118 . The jaw  114  is generally E-shaped such that it has a base portion  120 , a first end extending portion  122  which is generally perpendicular to the base portion  120 , a second end extending portion  124  which is generally perpendicular to the base portion  120 , and a middle extending portion  126  which is between extending portion  122  and extending portion  124  and which is generally perpendicular to the base portion  120 .  
     [0042] The base portion  120  extends from the first end extending portion  122  which is at a first end thereof, to the second end extending portion  124  which is at a second end thereof. The outer edge  116  is generally straight between the first end extending portion  122  and the middle extending portion  126 . The outer edge  116  is generally curved between the middle extending portion  126  and the second end extending portion  124 .  
     [0043] The ends of the extending portions  122 ,  124 ,  126  which form a part of the inner edge  118  of the first jaw  114  are generally rounded. A blade  128  is formed along the inner edge  118  between the middle extending portion  126  and the second end extending portion  124 . The blade  128  can be formed in a number of different manners depending on the type of workpiece to be cut/crimped.  
     [0044] The first end extending portion  122  has an aperture  130  therethrough. The middle extending portion  126  has an aperture  132  therethrough. Base portion  120  has an aperture  134  therethrough between the first end extending portion  122  and the middle extending portion  126 .  
     [0045] A second jaw  136  is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2d. The second jaw  136  is generally circular, but has a portion cut-out, and has a plurality of teeth  138  along an outer edge  140  thereof. The tooth pitch of the plurality of teeth  138  is preferably 4.8 degrees. The cut-out portion of the second jaw  136  forms an inner edge  142 . The inner edge  142  extends from the outer edge  140  and extends toward a middle of the second jaw  136 , extends around the middle of the second jaw  136 , and then extends back to the outer edge  140  of the second jaw  136 . A blade  144  is formed along a portion of the inner edge  142  between the outer edge  140  and the middle of the second jaw  136 . The blade  144  can be formed in a number of different manners depending on the type of workpiece to be cut/crimped.  
     [0046] The second jaw  136  has an aperture  146  therethrough at a center point of the circle. The second jaw  136  further has an aperture  148  therethrough which is positioned proximate to a juncture of the outer edge  140  and the inner edge  142 , but distal to the blade  144  of the inner edge  142 . The second jaw  136  further has an aperture  150  therethrough which is positioned along the outer edge  140  and proximate to the blade  144  of the inner edge  142 . The second jaw  136  further has an aperture  152  therethrough that is positioned between aperture  150  and the blade  144  of the inner edge  142 .  
     [0047] An elongated, generally U-shaped member  154  is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2d. The Ushaped member  154  has a base portion  155 , a first end portion  157  and a second end portion  159 . The first end portion  157  is generally curved and extends outwardly from the base portion  155  and away from the second end portion  159 . An aperture  156  is provided through the first end portion  157 . The second end portion  159  is generally curved and extends outwardly from the base portion  155  and away from the first end portion  157 . An aperture  158  is provided through the second end portion  159 .  
     [0048] A holding pawl  160  is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2 b.  The holding pawl  160  is generally V-shaped such that the holding pawl  160  has an extending portion  162  and an extending portion  164  which are connected at one end thereof. At the connection of the extending portions  162 ,  164 , an aperture  166  is provided therethrough. The extending portion  162  has a shoulder  170  provided along an outside edge  168  thereof at the end opposite the connection to extending portion  164 . Also along an outside edge  168  of the holding pawl  160 , teeth  172  are provided on the extending portion  164 , at the end opposite the connection to extending portion  162 . The teeth  172  are formed to mesh with the plurality of teeth  138  provided on the outer edge  140  of the second jaw  136 .  
     [0049] A torsion spring  174  is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2 b.  The torsion spring  174  is formed of wire that is coiled along the length of the torsion spring  174  such that an opening is formed through the torsion spring  174 . One end  176  of the torsion spring  174  extends straight out from the coiled length of the spring  174  and a hook  178  is provided at an end thereof. The hook  178  of the torsion spring  174  is wrapped around the holding pawl  160  below the shoulder  170  thereof. The other end  180  of the torsion spring  174  extends straight out from the coiled length of the spring  174  and a hook  182  is provided at an end thereof. The hook  182  of the torsion spring  174  is wrapped around the outer edge  116  of the first jaw  114  proximate to the first end extending portion  122 . The end  176  and the end  180  are angled from one another at approximately a 90 degree angle. The torsion spring  174  biases the holding pawvl  160  such that the teeth  172  of the holding pawl  160  prevent the plurality of teeth  138  of the second jaw  136  from moving clockwise when the second jaw  136  is viewed as illustrated in FIG. 1.  
     [0050] A circular cylinder  184  is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2 b.  The circular cylinder  184  has a bore  186  therethrough. The circular cylinder  184  is positioned to fit within the opening of the torsion spring  184  such that the coiled length of the torsion spring  184  is wound around the circular cylinder  184 .  
     [0051] A fastener  188  is shown in FIGS. 2 and 2 d.  The fastener  188  is inserted through the aperture  156  of member  154 , through aperture  98  of the generally triangular member  92 , through the bore  186  of the circular cylinder  184 , through the aperture  166  of the holding pawl  160 , through the aperture  130  of the first jaw  114 , and through the aperture  88  of the generally triangular member  82 . The fastener  188  can be secured outside the generally triangular member  82  by suitable means, such as a nut  190  and a pair of washers  192 ,  194 . The circular cylinder  184  and the holding pawl  160  can pivotally rotate around the fastener  188  as further described herein.  
     [0052] A speed pawl  196  is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2 a.  The speed pawl  196  is generally U-shaped such that it has a base portion  198  and a pair of extending portions  200 ,  202 , each of which extends from an opposite end of the base portion  198 . Each of the extending portions  200 ,  202  extend from a position proximate to a first end or tab  203  of the base portion  198  to a second end  205  of the base portion  198 . The extending portions  200 ,  202  are generally L-shaped such that the height of the extending portions  200 ,  202  proximate to the second end  205  of the base portion  198  is less than the height of the extending portions  200 ,  202  proximate to the first end  203  of the base portion  198 . Each of the extending portions  200 ,  202  have an aperture  204  therethrough proximate to the first end  203  of the base portion  198 .  
     [0053] A fastener  206 , which may be a circular rod, is inserted through the slot  56  of the first portion  50  of the member  48 , through the aperture  204  of the extending portion  200 , through the aperture  204  of the extending portion  202 , and through the slot  56  of the second portion  52  of the member  48 . The fastener  206  is secured outside both the first portion  50  and the second portion  52  of the member  48  by suitable means. The fastener  206  can slide within the slots  56  of the first and second portions  50 ,  52  of the member  48 , thus allowing the speed pawl  196  to move forward and backward the length of the slots  56  as further described herein.  
     [0054] The second end  205  of the base portion  198  of the speed pawl  196  is free and can engage with the plurality of teeth  138  of the second jaw  136  as the second jaw  136  is rotated as described herein. The bridge portion  54  of the member  48  provides resistance to the speed pawl  196 , preventing the second end  205  of the base portion  198  of the speed pawl  196  from moving at an angle too great relative to the member  48 .  
     [0055] A normally expanded or compression spring  208  is positioned between the first portion  50  and the second portion  52  of the member  48  from the first ends thereof to the middle thereof. The compression spring  208  is also positioned between the bridge portion  54  of the member  48  and the first portion  26  of the first lever  24 . A first end of the spring  208  abuts against a pin  209  which is positioned through the apertures  58  of the first and second portions  50 ,  52  of the member  48 . A second end of the spring  208  abuts against the tab  203  on the speed pawl  196  that is proximate to the base portion  198 . Because of the spring force of the spring  208 , the speed pawl  196  is biased within the slots  56  toward the second end of the member  48 . Furthermore, speed pawl  196  is rotationally biased counterclockwise toward teeth  138  of blade  136 .  
     [0056] A generally elongated member  210  is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2 d.  The generally elongated member  210  has rounded ends  212 ,  214 . The member  210  has an aperture  216  therethrough proximate to end  212 . The member  210  has an aperture  218  therethrough proximate to end  214 .  
     [0057] A generally elongated member  220  is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2 c.  The generally elongated member  220  has rounded ends  222 ,  224  and a middle portion  226 . An aperture  228  is provided therethrough proximate to the end  222 . An aperture  230  is provided therethrough proximate to end  224 . The middle portion  226  of the member  220  is raised such that the middle portion  226  is in a different plane than the ends  222 ,  224 .  
     [0058] A drive pawl  232  is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2 a.  The drive pawl  232  is generally a triangular block wherein one of the corners of the triangular block is generally rounded. The drive pawl  232  has an aperture  234  therethrough proximate to the rounded corner. The side of the pawl  232  opposite the rounded corner, and between the other corners, has teeth  236  for meshing with the plurality of teeth  138  of the second jaw  136 . The teeth  236  are positioned proximate to one of the other corners. The side of the pawl  232  opposite the rounded corner further has a pair of indents  238 ,  240  therein, as best illustrated in FIG. 1. The indents  238 ,  240  are positioned directly next to one another with indent  238  being positioned directly next to the teeth  236 .  
     [0059] A piece  242  is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2 a.  The piece  242  is a circular cylinder having a bore  244  therethrough. The piece  242  is positioned to fit within the aperture  234  of the drive pawl  232 .  
     [0060] A fastener  246  is shown in FIGS. 2 and 2 d.  The fastener  246  is positioned through the aperture  216  of member  210 , through the aperture  60  of the first portion  50  of the member  48 , through the bore  244  of the piece  242 , through the aperture  60  of the second portion  52  of the member  48 , and through the aperture  228  of the member  220 . The fastener  246  can be secured to the member  220  by a nut  248  and washers  250 ,  252 ,  254 . The piece  242  and the drive pawl  232  can pivotally rotate about the fastener  246  as further described herein.  
     [0061] A reverser  256 , as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2 d,  has a circular cylindrical portion  258 , a portion  260  that extends therefrom, and a portion  274  which extends from portion  260 . The circular cylindrical portion  258  has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the portion  260 . The circular cylindrical portion  258  has a height that is substantially equivalent to a height of the portion  260 . An aperture  262  is provided through the circular cylindrical portion  258 .  
     [0062] The portion  260  has an inner side (not shown), an outer side  264 , a top edge  266 , a bottom edge  268 , a first end (not shown) and a second end  272 . The second end  272  is concave such that the second end  272  of the portion  260  connects to the circular cylinder portion  258 .  
     [0063] Portion  274  has a top  276  and a bottom  278 . The top  276  of the portion  274  is positioned on the top edge  266  of the portion  260  and extends generally perpendicularly therefrom toward both the inner side and the outer side  264  of the portion  260 . The top  276  has a height at the first end that is less than a height of the top  276  proximate to the second end. Likewise, the bottom  278  of the portion  274  is positioned on the bottom edge  268  of the portion  260  and extends generally perpendicularly therefrom toward both the inner side and the outer side  264  of the portion  260 . The bottom  278  has a height at the first end that is less than a height of the bottom  278  proximate to the second end. Thus, the portion  274  has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the portion  260 . The thickness of the portion  274  is substantially equivalent to a thickness of the circular cylindrical portion  258 . The top  276  and the bottom  278  are connected to one another by piece  280  which extends along the first end of portion  260 .  
     [0064] The portion  274  further includes two extending portions  282 ,  284 . Extending portions  282 ,  284  extend generally perpendicularly from the inner surface of the portion  260  approximately the same distance as the top  276  and the bottom  278  extend away from the inner surface of the portion  260 . The extending portions  282 ,  284  also have a length that runs from the circular cylinder portion  258  to the piece  280 . The extending portions  282 ,  284  also define a recess  286  therebetween.  
     [0065] A fastener  288 , as shown in FIGS. 2 and 2 d,  is inserted through the aperture  158  of the member  154 , through the aperture  218  of the member  210 , through the aperture  262  of the reverser  256 , through the aperture  146  of the second jaw  136 , through the aperture  132  of the first jaw  114 , and through the aperture  230  of the member  220 . The fastener  288  can be secured to the member  220  by suitable means, such as a nut  290  and a washer  292 . The reverser  256  and the second jaw  136  can pivotally rotate about the fastener  288  as is further described herein.  
     [0066] A normally expanded or compression spring  294 , as shown in FIGS. 2 and 2 d,  is positioned within the recess  286  formed by the extending portions  280 ,  282  and the inner surface of the portion  260 . The recess  286  is closed by the connection of the second jaw  136  to the reverser  256  by the fastener  288 , and thus the spring  294  is also positioned next to the second jaw  136 . One end of the spring  294  abuts against the circular cylindrical portion  258  of the reverser  256  while the opposite end of the spring  294  abuts against an end of a generally cylindrical pin  296 .  
     [0067] The opposite end of the pin  296  has a circular knob  298  which is sized to engage with either the indent  238  or the indent  240  of the drive pawl  232 . The spring  294  biases the pin  296  toward the drive pawl  232  such that the knob  298  is positioned in either the indent  238  or the indent  240 . When the knob  298  is positioned within the indent  238 , the drive pawl  232  is biased such that the teeth  236  of the drive pawl  232  do not engage the teeth  138  of the second jaw  136  as viewed as in FIG. 1. When the knob  298  is positioned within the indent  240 , the drive pawl  232  is biased such that the teeth  236  of the drive pawl  232  will engage the teeth  138  of the second jaw  136 , allowing the drive pawl  232  to move the second jaw  136  counterclockwise, as will be discussed herein.  
     [0068] A pair of stops  300 ,  302 , as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2d, are provided. Stop  300  is a cylindrical rod and is positioned within aperture  148  of the second jaw  136  and extends outwardly therefrom toward the reverser  256 . The stop  300  is capable of abutting against the bottom  278  of the reverser  256 , as will be explained in more detail in the operation of the tool  20 . The stop  302  is a cylindrical rod and is positioned within the aperture  150  of the second jaw  136  and extends outwardly therefrom toward the reverser  256 . The stop  302  is capable of abutting against the top  276  of the reverser  256 , as will be explained in more detail in the operation of the tool  20 .  
     [0069] An extension spring  304  is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2 c.  The extension spring  304  has a first end with a hook  306  and a second end with a hook  308 . The hook  306  is wrapped around a shank portion  310  of a fastener  312 . The fastener  312  also has a head portion  314 . After the hook  306  is wrapped around the shank portion  310 , the shank portion  310  is inserted into the aperture  134  of the first jaw  114  such that the hook  306  is between the first jaw  114  and the head portion  314  of the fastener  312 , with the head portion  314  being proximate to the member  220 . The hook  308  is wrapped around a shank portion  316  of a fastener  318 . The fastener  318  also has a head portion  320 . After the hook  308  is wrapped around the shank portion  316 , the shank portion  316  is inserted into the aperture  152  of the second jaw  136  such that the hook  308  is between the second jaw  136  and the head portion  320  of the fastener  318 , with the head portion  320  being proximate to the first jaw  114 .  
     [0070] Now that the specifics of the tool  20  have been described, operation of the tool  20  is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3- 9 . FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate the tool  20  prior to the cutting/crimping process when the cable or workpiece  22  is inserted between the blade  128  of the first jaw  114  and the blade  144  of the second jaw  136  by a user. The blade portions  128 ,  144  are offset from one another because of the connection of the first jaw  114  to the second jaw  136  by fastener  288 , thus allowing the blade portions  128 ,  144  to shear the workpiece  22  when the tool  20  is operated in the cut mode.  
     [0071] As illustrated in FIG. 1, prior to the cutting/crimping process, the first lever  24  and the second lever  36  are in a closed position such that the rear ends of the first lever  24  are generally proximate to the second lever  36 .  
     [0072] The torsion spring  174  biases the holding pawl  160  toward the second jaw  136  in order to force the teeth  172  of the holding pawl  160  to engage with the plurality of teeth  138  of the second jaw  136 . When the levers  24 ,  36  are closed, though, the second portion  28  of the first lever  24  abuts against the extending portion  162  of the holding pawl  160  at a position above the shoulder  170  where the hook  178  of the torsion spring  174  is wrapped therearound, thus preventing the teeth  172  of the holding pawl  160  from engaging with the plurality of teeth  138  of the second jaw  136 .  
     [0073] The second end of the base portion  198  of the speed pawl  196  rests against the plurality of teeth  138  of the second jaw  136 . The fastener  206 , which is connected to the speed pawl  196 , is positioned in the slots  56  of the first portion  50  and the second portion  52  of the member  48  proximate to the second end of the speed pawl  196 , with the speed pawl  196  being biased in this position by the spring  208 . Because of the resting of the second end of the speed pawl  196  against the plurality of teeth  138 , along with the connection of the speed pawl  196  to the fastener  206  at the first end of the speed pawl  196 , the speed pawl  196  is positioned at a small angle relative to the top of the first and second portions  50 ,  52  of the member  48 .  
     [0074] The drive pawl  232  is positioned such that the teeth  236  of the drive pawl  232  are engaged with the plurality of teeth  138  of the second jaw  136  as the knob  298  of the pin  296  is positioned within the indent  240  of the drive pawl  232 . The knob  298  of the pin  296  stays within the indent  240  by the force of spring  294 .  
     [0075] The member  210  is positioned such that a top thereof abuts against the top  276  of the portion  274  of the reverser  256 . A bottom of the member  210  does not abut against the bottom  278  of the portion  274  of the reverser  256 .  
     [0076] The stop  302  abuts against the top  276  of the portion  274  of the reverser  256 .  
     [0077] The spring  304  is in its normally compressed state.  
     [0078] After the user has placed the workpiece  22  between the blade  128  of the first jaw  114  and the blade  144  of the second jaw  136 , the user grips the first lever  24  with one hand and grips the second lever  36  with the other hand. The user then begins to open the levers  24 ,  36  by pulling the levers  24 ,  36  away from one another as shown in FIG. 3.  
     [0079] As illustrated in FIG. 3, when the user begins to open the levers  24 ,  36 , the second end of the base portion  198  of the speed pawl  196  engages with one of the plurality of teeth  138  of the secondjaw  136 .  
     [0080] As the levers  24 ,  36  are opened, the second portion  28  of the first lever  24  and the extending portion  162  of the holding pawl  160  continue to abut against one another, but the teeth  172  of the holding pawl  160  come closer to being in contact with the plurality of teeth  138  of the second jaw  136  to prevent the second jaw  136  from moving in a clockwise position, when the second jaw  136  is viewed as shown in FIG. 3, such that the blade  144  of the second jaw  136  would move away from the workpiece  22  and the blade  128  of the first jaw  114 .  
     [0081] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the levers  24 ,  36  are completely opened, such that the rear ends of levers  24 ,  36  are positioned as far away from one another as possible and are approximately perpendicular to one another.  
     [0082] By completely opening the levers  24 ,  36 , the speed pawl  196  advances the blade  144  of the second jaw  136  toward the workpiece  22  and the blade  128  of the first jaw  114 . The speed pawl  196  preferably advances the blade  144  of the second jaw  136  by three teeth when the levers  24 ,  36  are opened prior to the blade portions  128 ,  144  meeting resistance from the workpiece  22 . The angle of the speed pawl  196  with respect to the tops of the first and second portions  50 ,  52  of the member  48  also increases. The angle which the speed pawl  196  can achieve relative to the tops of the first and second portions  50 ,  52  of the member  48  is limited by the bridge portion  54  of the member  48  as the first end of the base portion  198  of the speed pawl  196  abuts against the bridge portion  54  when the levers  24 ,  36  reach their maximum opening.  
     [0083] Because of the advancement of the blade  144  of the second jaw  136 , the stop  302  and the top  276  of the portion  274  of the reverser  256  separate from one another while the stop  300  on the second jaw  136  moves closer to abutment with the bottom  278  of the portion  274  of the reverser  256 .  
     [0084] Further, because of the advancement of the blade  144  of the second jaw  136 , the spring  304  is forced to expand such that it no longer rests in its normally compressed state.  
     [0085] As the levers  24 ,  36  are completely opened, the extending portion  162  of the holding pawl  160  and the second portion  28  of the first lever  24  also separate from one another such that the teeth  172  of the holding pawl  160  engage with the teeth  138  of the second jaw  136  because of the spring force provided by the torsion spring  174 , thus preventing the blade  144  on the second jaw  136  from retreating.  
     [0086] As the levers  24 ,  36  are opened, the teeth  236  of the drive pawl  232  move over the teeth  138  of the second jaw  136  such that the drive pawl  232  pushes against the knob  298  of the pin  296  to compress the spring  294 .  
     [0087] After the levers  24 ,  36  are completely opened and the speed pawl  196  has advanced the second jaw  136 , the user pushes the levers  24 ,  36  back to a closed position, where the rear ends of the levers  24 ,  36 , are proximate to one another and are at a position where they are generally parallel to one another as shown in FIG. 5.  
     [0088] By closing the levers  24 ,  36 , the speed pawl  196  is moved across the plurality of teeth  138  of the second jaw  136 . The spring  294  pushes back against the pin  296  to push the knob  298  into the indent  240  of the drive pawl  232 , forcing the teeth  236  of the drive pawl  232  to engage the plurality of teeth  138  of the second jaw  136  and to advance the blade  144  of the second jaw  136  toward the blade  128  of the first jaw  114  and the workpiece  22 . The drive pawl  232  preferably advances the blade  144  of the second jaw  136  by one tooth when the levers  24 ,  36  are closed.  
     [0089] Because of the advancement of the blade  144  of the second jaw  136 , the stop  302  and the top  276  of the portion  274  of the reverser  256  further separate from one another while the stop  300  on the second jaw  136  moves further closer to abutment with the bottom  278  of the portion  274  of the reverser  256 .  
     [0090] Further, because of the advancement of the blade  144  of the second jaw  136 , the spring  304  is forced to further expand from its normally compressed state.  
     [0091] The closing of the levers  24 ,  36  further forces the extending portion  162  of the holding pawl  160  to abut with the second portion  28  of the first lever  24  forcing the teeth  172  of the holding pawl  160  to become disengaged from the plurality of teeth  138  of the second jaw  136 . The extending portion  162  further separates from the fastener  102 .  
     [0092] The foregoing description relating to FIGS. 4 and 5 continues until the blade  144  of the second jaw  136  and the blade  128  of the first jaw  114  are both engaged or in contact with the workpiece  22 , such that the workpiece  22  is providing resistance to the counterclockwise movement of the second jaw  136 .  
     [0093] Once the workpiece  22  provides resistance to the counterclockwise movement of the second jaw  136 , as the blade  144  of the second jaw  136  and the blade  128  of the first jaw  114  are in contact with the workpiece  22 , the user again completely opens the levers  24 ,  36  as depicted in FIG. 6.  
     [0094] As the levers  24 ,  36  are opened, the extending portion  162  of the holding pawl  160  and the second portion  28  of the first lever  24  separate from one another. The extending portion  162  of the holding pawl  160  abuts against the fastener  102 . The torsion spring  174  biases the holding pawl  160  toward the second jaw  136  to force the teeth  172  of the holding pawl  160  to engage with the plurality of teeth  138  of the second jaw  136 .  
     [0095] Unlike the opening of the levers  24 ,  36  as illustrated and described with reference to FIG. 4, the opening of the levers  24 ,  36  with reference to FIG. 6, does not force the speed pawl  196  to advance the blade  144  of the second jaw  136  toward the workpiece  22  and the blade  128  of the first jaw  114 . Rather, the resistance of the workpiece  22  against the speed pawi  196  is greater than the spring force of the spring  208  against the speed pawl  196 , thus the speed pawl  196  overcomes the spring force of the spring  208  and causes fastener  206  to move within the slots  56  of the first and second portions  50 ,  52  of the member  48  to a position proximate to the first end of the member  48 . Thus the fastener  206  and, in effect, the speed pawl  196 , simply oscillate against the spring  208  within the slots  56 .  
     [0096] As the levers  24 ,  36  are opened, the teeth  236  of the drive pawl  232  move over the teeth  138  of the second jaw  136  such that the drive pawl  232  pushes against the knob  298  of the pin  296  to compress the spring  294 .  
     [0097] After the user has pulled the levers  24 ,  36  completely apart as shown in FIG. 6, the user again pushes the levers  24 ,  36  together to a closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 7, where the rear ends of the levers  24 ,  36 , are proximate to one another and are at a position where they are generally parallel to one another.  
     [0098] By closing the levers  24 ,  36 , the spring  294  pushes back against the pin  296  to push the knob  298  into the indent  240  of the drive pawl  232 , forcing the drive pawl  232  to engage the plurality of teeth  138  of the second jaw  136  and to advance the blade  144  of the second jaw  136  into the workpiece  22  and toward the blade  128  of the first jaw  114 , which also is forced into the workpiece  22 . The drive pawl  232  preferably advances the blade  144  of the second jaw  136  by one tooth when the levers  24 ,  36  are closed.  
     [0099] Because of the advancement of the blade  144  of the second jaw  136 , the stop  302  and the top  276  of the portion  274  of the reverser  256  further separate from one another while the stop  300  on the second jaw  136  moves further closer to abutment with the bottom  278  of the portion  274  of the reverser  256 .  
     [0100] Further, because of the advancement of the blade  144  of the second jaw  136 , the spring  304  is forced to further expand from its normally compressed state.  
     [0101] The closing of the levers  24 ,  36  further forces the extending portion  162  of the holding pawl  160  to abut with the second portion  28  of the first lever  24 , forcing the teeth  172  of the holding pawl  160  to become disengaged from the plurality of teeth  138  of the second jaw  136 . The extending portion  162  further separates from the fastener  102 .  
     [0102] The foregoing description relating to FIGS. 6 and 7 continues until the bottom  278  of the portion  274  of the reverser  256  abuts against the stop  300  provided on the second jaw  136 . At this point, the tool  20  has either cut through the workpiece  22  or crimped the workpiece  22  as desired. The spring  304  is also expanded well beyond its normally compressed state as it is wound around the fastener  288 .  
     [0103] Once the stop  300  abuts against the bottom  278  of the portion  274  of the reverser  256 , the continued movement of the stop  300  by continued movement of the second jaw  136  pushes the reverser  256  thus forcing the knob  298  of the pin  296  to move from a position within the indent  240  of the drive pawl  232  to the indent  238  of the drive pawl  232 , as shown in FIG. 8. The member  210  also changes position such that the bottom of the member  210  abuts against the bottom  278  of the portion  274  of the reverser  256  while the top of the member  210  does not abut against the top  276  of the portion  274  of the reverser  256 .  
     [0104] By the knob  298  of the pin  296  being forced into the indent  238  of the drive pawl  232 , the teeth  236  of the drive pawl  232  become disengaged from the plurality of teeth  138  of the second jaw  136 , thus entirely disengaging the drive pawl  232  from the second jaw  136 . The disengagement of the drive pawl  232  from the second jaw  136  also causes the disengagement of the speed pawl  196  from the second jaw  136  as the drive pawl  232  abuts against the speed pawl  196 , lifting the speed pawl  196  away from the plurality of teeth  138  of the second jaw  136 .  
     [0105] The teeth  172  of the holding pawl  160  also become disengaged from the plurality of teeth  138  of the second jaw  136  when the levers  24 ,  36  are closed by the contact of the extending portion  162  with the second portion  28  of the first lever  24 .  
     [0106] Because all three pawls  160 ,  196 ,  232  are disengaged from the second jaw  136 , nothing prevents the second jaw  136  from moving clockwise and, thus, the spring  304  returns to its normally compressed state. When the spring  304  returns to its normally compressed state, the spring  304  forces the second jaw  136  to return, in a clockwise manner, to its original position as shown in FIG. 9. As the second jaw  136  is in its original position, the continued movement of the stop  302  by continued movement of the second jaw  136  pushes against the top  276  of the portion  274  of the reverser  256 , thus forcing the knob  298  of the pin  296  to move from the indent  238  back to the indent  240 .  
     [0107] With the knob  298  of the pin  296  forced into the indent  240  of the drive pawl  232 , the teeth  236  of the drive pawl  232  are re-engaged with the plurality of teeth  138  of the second jaw  136 . The re-engagement of the drive panvl  232  with the second jaw  136  allows for the speed pawl  196  to again rest against the plurality of teeth  138  of the second jaw  136 .  
     [0108] The tool  20  is then ready for then next cutting/crimping cycle.  
     [0109] It should be noted that the automatic blade return can be performed manually by the user physically switching the reverser  256 .  
     [0110] While a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and described, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the foregoing description.