Patent Publication Number: US-10312653-B2

Title: Hydraulic tool

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/157,914 filed on May 6, 2015, and entitled “Hydraulic Tool,” which is herein incorporated by reference as if fully set forth in this description. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic tool. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a hydraulic crimp and/or cutting tool providing reduced weight and improved weight distribution. 
     Hydraulic power tools are employed in numerous applications to provide a user with a desired mechanical advantage. One example application is a battery powered hydraulic crimp tool that may be used for crimping various types and sizes of power connectors onto conductors. Typically, in such crimping applications, the battery powered hydraulic tool must be light weight as the tool will often be used repeatedly to perform multiple crimping applications while not fatiguing the tool operator. In addition, such a hydraulic tool should also be portable so that it can be carried by an operator from one work site to the next. Typically, such battery powered hydraulic tools are generally heavy and difficult to handle during crimping operations. One reason for the general weight and cumbersomeness of such a hydraulic tool is that such tools are often the subject to high loads during operation (typically upwards to 6 Tons) and therefore need a suitable tool operating head and main body structure that can sustain such large and repetitive loads. 
     As such, there is therefore a desire to provide a more light weight hydraulic tool that can be used for high force applications, such as 12 Ton applications. Accordingly there is a desire to provide an improved hydraulically operated tool that has a reduced overall weight and also perhaps reduces the overall length of the tool, making the tool more user friendly to the operator. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment the present disclosure, a hydraulic tool is disclosed. The hydraulic tool comprises a tool working end and a tool main section operably coupled to the tool working end. The tool main section comprising a ram assembly, the ram assembly includes a pretensioned return spring. A tool transmission end is operably coupled to the tool main section for hydraulically operating the tool working end. 
     The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments in which further details can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary hydraulic tool; 
         FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the exemplary hydraulic tool illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is cross-sectional view of the hydraulic tool illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic tool illustrated in  FIG. 1  at the start of a crimp cycle; 
         FIG. 5  is a close up, cross-sectional view of the hyrdaulic fluid passage circuit of the hyrdaulic tool illustrated in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic representation of the hydraulic fluid passage circuit illustrated in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic tool illustrated in  FIG. 1  at the end of a crimp cycle; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic tool illustrated in  FIG. 1  during a ram return; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary hydraulic tool housing arrangement for use with a hydraulic tool, such as the hydraulic tool illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of the exemplary hydraulic tool housing arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 9 ; and 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an exemplary crimp alignment indicator for use with a hydraulic tool, such as the hydraulic tool illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a hydraulic tool  10  and  FIG. 2  illustrates another perspective view of the hydraulic tool  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Referring now to both  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is shown a side view of a hydraulic tool  10  incorporating features of the present disclosure. Although the hydraulic tool  10  will be described with reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the hydraulic tool and its various components can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used. 
     In this illustrated arrangement, the hydraulic tool  10  comprises a hand-held battery operated hydraulic crimping tool. However, in alternate embodiments, features of the present disclosure could be used in a suitable type of hydraulic tool or pneumatic tool, or tool having a movable ram. The tool  10  generally comprises a tool main section  15 , a tool working end  20 , and a tool transmission end  30 . In this embodiment the tool working end  20  comprises a moveable die head  150  that is separated from a crimper head  160  by a frame  25 . For example, in this illustrated embodiment, the crimper head  160  comprises a C-style head. The die head  150  is axially moveable along the frame  25  of the C-style head and is adapted to receive removable crimp dies. However, in alternate embodiments any suitable dies could be provided including cutting dies for example. 
     The tool main section  15  generally comprises a cylinder  140 , a ram assembly  100 , a bladder  60 , a hydraulic pump  40 , a hydraulic fluid passage circuit  70 , and a user activated release lever  180 . As will be described herein, this hydraulic fluid passage circuit  70  comprises a plurality of fluid passages that provide fluid communication between a fluid reservoir or bladder  60  which provides fluid communication to and from the tool working end  20  by way of the ram assembly  100 . As will be explained herein, the hydraulic tool  10  can be provided with a user activated control system including a user actuated human interface devices, such as a user activated release switch, a start switch or trigger, and a release lever  180 . 
     Although the presently illustrated hydraulic tool  10  may comprise a battery operated hydraulic tool, in an alternate embodiment, the tool main section  15  could be adapted to be connected to a remote hydraulic fluid supply by hydraulic hoses. In one preferred arrangement, the hydraulic tool  10  is configured as a self contained manually operated hydraulic crimping tool. In one alternative arrangement, the hydraulic tool  10  is configured as a self contained manually operated hydraulic cutting tool. The tool main section  15  may also comprise a pressure transducer  220  ( FIG. 4 ). 
     Referring now also to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the ram assembly  100  is movably connected to the frame  25  in a longitudinal direction, wherein the ram assembly  100  is adapted to be moved relative to the frame  25  by hydraulic fluid  64  contained within the bladder  60  and under control by way of the fluid hydraulic passage circuit  70  as will be described in greater detail herein. 
     The hydraulic tool  10  further comprises a tool transmission end  30 . The tool transmission end  30  of the hydraulic tool  10  comprises an electric motor  35  configured to drive the hydraulic pump  40  by way of a gear reducer  50 . An output shaft  38  ( FIG. 3 ) of the motor  35  is connected to the pump  40  by way of a gear reduction or gearbox  50 . Any suitable type of gear reduction assembly could be provided. For example, in one preferred arrangement, the gear reducer comprises a 10 to 1 gear reduction. 
       FIG. 3  is cross-sectional view of the hydraulic tool illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As illustrated, the main section  15  of the hydraulic tool  10  further comprises a bladder  60  that contains a hydraulic fluid  64 . The bladder  60  operates as a reservoir for storing hydraulic fluid  64 . Generally, as the electric motor  35  rotates, a pump piston  44  reciprocates up and down. The pump piston  44  provides the hydraulic fluid  64  to a hydraulic fluid passage circuit  70 . Specifically, as the pump piston  44  moves upward, hydraulic fluid  64  is withdrawn from the bladder  60 . As the pump piston  44  moves down, the withdrawn fluid is pressurized and delivered to the ram assembly  100  by way of the fluid passage circuit  70  as will be described in detail herein. 
     In this illustrated arrangement, a cylinder  140  is operatively coupled to the pump assembly  40 . In one preferred arrangement, the pump assembly  40  comprises a high pressure pump assembly. However, other types of pump assemblies may also be used. The cylinder  140  defines a cylinder cavity  142  and this cylinder cavity  142  is configured to contain the ram assembly  100 . A high pressure seal  90  is provided between an outer surface  110  of the ram assembly  100  and an inner surface  144  of the cylinder cavity  142 . 
     In this illustrated arrangement, the cylinder  140  is operatively coupled to the frame  25 . For example, the cylinder  140  is threaded to the frame  25 . In an alternative arrangement, the cylinder  140  and the frame comprise an integral component. Such an integral cylinder and frame component results in certain advantages. For example, such an integral component allows for the removal of the threads from an area of frame deflection that may occur during a crimp cycle. As such, less material can be used for the integral cylinder and frame component, resulting in a lighter hydraulic tool. 
     Again referring to  FIG. 3 , the ram assembly  100  comprises a main ram portion  114 . Preferably, this main ram portion  114  defines a main ram chamber  118 . This main ram chamber  118  is configured to contain various component parts of the ram assembly  100 . In one preferred arrangement, these various component parts include: a return spring  122 , a ram spacer  126 , a spring retainer screw  132 , and a ram piston  102 . In one preferred arrangement, the return spring  122  comprises a return spring extension type. That is, in such a return spring extension type arrangement, the return spring  122  comprises a spring that will extend or elongate as the ram assembly  100  extends along the frame  25  of the tool working end  20  during a crimp cycle. The return spring  122  is positioned to extend from a front portion of the main ram chamber  118  to a back portion of the cylinder  140 . In addition, and as illustrated in this hydraulic tool arrangement  10 , the return spring  122  is configured to surround an outer surface  110  of the ram piston  102 . 
     Specifically, a first end  123 A (an end of the return spring  122  near the die head  150 ) of the return spring  122  may be affixed to the spring return screw  132 . A second end  123 B of the return spring  122  may be affixed to a portion of the cylinder  140  near the pump assembly  40 . In one arrangement, the second end  123 B of the return spring  122  may comprise a spring loop  124 . In order to affix this spring loop  124  within the cylinder  140 , the loop  124  may be passed through a fluid passage  78  and then affixed around a hollow passage pin  86  that is inserted into the spring loop  124 . As will be described in greater detail herein, the hollow passage pin  86  provides for fluid communication between the ram assembly chamber  118  and an over pressure device  88 . 
     In one preferred arrangement, when the ram assembly  100  is initially assembled in this manner, the ram spacer  126  may be operatively coupled through a cavity  152  defined by the die head  150  to a front end of the spring return screw  132 . In such a configuration, when the ram spacer  126  and hence the spring return screw  132  are threaded into a front threaded end  138  of the ram piston  102 , the depth of how far the spring return screw  132  may be threaded into this threaded end  138  of the ram piston  102  can be varied. As such, a variable and predetermined amount of tension can be provided within the return spring  128  while the ram assembly resides in a retracted or home position as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
     The ram assembly  100  is slidably received within the cylinder cavity  142  defined by the cylinder  140 . Importantly, the return spring  122  surrounds the ram piston  116  and resides along an inner surface  120  of the ram assembly chamber  118 . Extension of the ram  100  during a user activated crimp disturbs the pre-tensioned state of the return spring  122 , thereby causing the return spring  122  to apply a pulling force on the ram assembly  100  that seeks to return the ram  114  to an un-extended position. 
     Such a ram assembly  100  comprising an internally supported and pre-tensioned return spring  122  provides certain advantages. For example, in certain known ram assembly and return spring configurations, the ram assembly is provided with a compression spring wherein such a compression spring typically comprises a constant height. One disadvantage of such a ram and constant height return spring combination is that excessive wear against the internal cavity of the cylinder can be created by the constant height return spring as the ram assembly is moved back and forth during crimp procedures. Such excess wear is prevented by the presently disclosed ram assembly internal return spring configuration. 
     Another advantage of such a ram assembly and extension spring arrangement is that it reduces the length of the cylinder and ram based on the spring type. For example, a compression spring can only be compressed to its solid height. This distance becomes significant when used as a return spring in a hand held hydraulic tool. It is the solid height dimension that can be subtracted from the length of the cylinder and ram assembly when an extension spring is used. 
     Another advantage of the presently disclosed ram assembly  100  is that such a ram and spring configuration allows for a certain amount of pre-tension to be provided on the spring. One advantage of such a pre-tensioned ram is that it enhances the return rate of the ram assembly back to the retracted or home position. In addition, the presently disclosed ram assembly  100  also provides the manufacturer of the hydraulic tool  10  to select or design a specific or predetermined amount of tension within the ram assembly return spring. 
     The tool main section  15  of the hydraulic tool  10  further includes a release lever  180 . As illustrated, the release lever  180  is operably coupled to a release valve  200  provided within the hydraulic fluid passage circuit  70 . During a crimping action, if a user were to activate the release lever  180 , the release lever  180  would open the release valve  200  so as to release fluid  64  in the main ram chamber  118  back to the bladder  60 , thus relieving pressure in the main ram chamber  118 . 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic tool illustrated in  FIG. 1  at the start of a crimp cycle and  FIG. 5  is a close up, cross-sectional view of the hydraulic fluid passage circuit  70  of the hyrdaulic tool illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In order to initiate a crimping cycle, a user activates a switch, such as a start trigger switch ( FIG. 9 ). This starts the motor  35  and the gear reducer  50  begins to activate the pump assembly  40 . Activation of the pump assembly  40  begins to activate the pump piston  44 . 
       FIG. 6  is diagrammic representation of the hydraulic circuit illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Referring now to  FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 , when the pump piston  44  moves upward, hydraulic fluid  64  is withdrawn from the bladder  60  through the intake check valve into a pumping chamber  46  of the pump assembly  40 . When the pump piston  44  moves downward, the hydraulic fluid  64  is pressurized and is forced to begin to flow into the hydraulic fluid passage circuit  70 . Specifically, the hydraulic fluid  64  begins to flow by way of a first fluid passage  72  through a high pressure check valve  190  and then into a second fluid passage  74 . At this second fluid passage  74 , the hydraulic fluid  64  then passes through a release valve  200 , and into a third fluid passage  76 . Fluid  64  then flows from this high pressure check valve  190  into a release valve chamber  202  within the release valve  200 . Fluid  64  then flows towards the ram assembly chamber  118  by way of the third fluid passage  76 . As noted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the release lever  180  is operatively coupled to the release valve  200  by way of a release pin  182 . 
     Flow of pressurized fluid  64  into the ram assembly chamber  118  applies a force on the ram assembly  100 , thereby also extending the return spring  122  and therefore increasing the mechanical energy stored within the return spring  122  as the ram assembly is forced to extend towards the crimper head  150  while also extending or stretching the return spring  122 . Applying this force on the ram piston  102  causes the ram assembly  100 , and therefore the die head  150 , to extend (i.e., move left in  FIG. 4 ). A pressure transducer  220  monitors fluid pressure level in the ram assembly chamber  118 . 
     As mentioned above, high pressure fluid applies a force on the ram assembly  100  and causes the ram  114  and the die head  150  to extend. This force depends on a resistance that the die head  150  experiences. That is, if an object existed between the die head  150  and the crimper head  160 , the object would resist extension of the die head  150 . For example, if the hydraulic tool  10  comprised a crimping hydraulic tool, with a connector between the die head and the crimper head, the connector will be compressed or crimped by the movement of the ram assembly  100  against the crimper head  160 . 
     Such resistance causes the die head  150  to apply a higher force to extend. Such higher force requires a higher fluid pressure in the ram assembly chamber  118 . The pressure transducer  220  monitors pressure in the ram assembly chamber  118 , and if the fluid pressure in this chamber  118  exceeds a particular threshold pressure, a controller of the hydraulic tool  10  will cause the electric motor  35  to stop.  FIG. 7  illustrates the die head  150  in a fully extended position, in accordance with an example implementation. 
     Returning to  FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 , the hydraulic fluid passage circuit  70  further comprises a fourth fluid passage  78  that is in fluid communication with the ram assembly chamber  118  and the release valve chamber  202 . In addition, a fifth fluid passage  82  is also in fluid communication with the release valve chamber  202  and with an over pressure device  88 , such as a burst cap. Preferably, this fifth fluid passage  82  comprises a hollow passage pin  86 . The over pressure device  88  is configured to control or limit the pressure in the hydraulic circuit  70 . That is, if the pressure at junction point  84  exceeds a threshold pressure (e.g., if the pressure transducer fails to shut off the motor at the predetermined high pressure stop), the over pressure device  88  will burst and shut down the motor  35 . 
     The hydraulic fluid passage circuit  70  may further include an autocomplete feature. For example, such an autocomplete feature can be configured to lock on the hydraulic tool  10  once the hydraulic fluid passage circuit  70  achieves a predetermined system pressure. For example, in one autocomplete feature arrangement, the user of the hydraulic tool would maintain control of the hydraulic tool from a pressure of approximately 0 pounds per square inch (psi) to a target autocomplete pressure, for example, of 4,000 psi. At this targeted autocomplete pressure of 4,000 psi, the autocomplete feature would turn on and the hydraulic tool would automatically complete the crimping action (or cutting action). One advantage of implementing such an autocomplete feature is that such a feature can help to avoid a situation of the motor  35  potentially stalling during certain operating procedures. For example, such an autocomplete feature will help to prevent a situation where the motor  35  attempts a re-start after the hydraulic fluid passage circuit  70  resides in a high pressure situation. Where such an automatic complete arrangement is utilized in such a hydraulic fluid passage circuit  70 , if the pressure at junction point  84  ( FIG. 5 ) exceeds a threshold pressure (e.g., if the pressure transducer  220  fails to shut off the motor  35  at the predetermined high pressure stop), the over pressure device  88  will burst. 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic tool illustrated in  FIG. 1  during a ram assembly return. Specifically,  FIG. 8  illustrates a return cycle of the hydraulic tool  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  and in accordance with an example implementation. Once the electric motor  35  stops, an operator of the hydraulic tool  10  may be required to actuate the release lever  180 . Actuating the release lever  180  actuates the release valve  200 . Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 8 , in this illustrated arrangement, rotation of the release lever  180  moves the release lever pin  182  and opens the release valve  200 . This allows the hydraulic fluid  64  to flow from the ram assembly chamber  118  through the third passage  66  and back into the release valve chamber  202 . From the release valve chamber  202 , the hydraulic fluid flows back to the reservoir or bladder  60  by way of a sixth passage  80 . Further, as mentioned above, the increased amount of stored mechanical energy in the return spring  122  applies a pulling force on the ram assembly  100  that seeks to return the ram assembly  100  back to its original or home/non-retracted position. Due to the fluid release through the release valve  200  and the pulling force of the tensioned return spring  122 , the ram assembly  100  retracts (i.e., moves to the right in  FIG. 8 ) seeking to return to an un-extended position. 
     In one preferred arrangement, the operator of the hydraulic tool can control a position of the ram assembly  100  during the return cycle based on when the release lever  180  is deactivated. Deactivating the release lever  180  prevents the hydraulic fluid  64  from passing through the release valve chamber  202 , and therefore stops the ram assembly  100  from moving towards its home position as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Specifically, rotation of the release lever activates a release pin  182 , allowing the return of the pressurized fluid back to the fluid reservoir  60 . 
     In order to aid the operator of the hydraulic tool and to provide guidance during this ram retraction step, an outer surface of the ram may be provided with a plurality of markings or indicia. Such markings or indicia may be representative of the ram assembly location and connector size and material representations. For example, the outer surface of the ram may have markings such as 1/0 Cu, 1/0Al and so on to indicate a work space size between the die head  150  and crimper head  160  for a particular connector so as to indicate to the user of the device where what type of ram retraction is required in order for a desired location 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary hydraulic tool housing arrangement  300  for use with an hydraulic tool, such as the hydraulic tool  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of the tool  300  illustrated in  FIG. 9 . In particular,  FIGS. 9 and 10  depict a tool  300  that is operable to crimp an electrical connector and that has an advantageous arrangement of the tool handle with respect to the tool working end. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , similar to the hydraulic tool  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , hydraulic tool  300  includes a tool working end  308  disposed at a distal end  310  of the tool. This working end  308  includes a die head  350  and crimper head  360  as herein described. As previously described, the crimper head  360  is movable by way of a ram assembly  400  between a crimping or extracted position (as illustrated) and a home position as herein described. The die head  350  and ram assembly  400  may operate in the same or similar fashion as the die head and ram assembly as described with respect to the hydraulic tool  10  described herein. 
     The tool  300  further includes a tool main section  314  connected to the working end  308  and also connected to a tool transmission end  335 . The tool main section  314  may house tool components, such as internal tool components contained within the tool main section  15  described herein and used for facilitating the hydraulic operation of the ram assembly  100  and the hydraulic fluid passage circuit  70 . In one preferred arrangement, the main body includes the hydraulic tool  10  illustrated and described herein. 
     Further, the main section  314  includes a tool outer housing  340 . The main section  314  also includes a handle  316  that is disposed at a distal end  342  of the tool outer housing  340  and along a vertical axis  306  of the tool. As depicted, the handle  316  is configured such that a user  410  can grip the handle  316  in an orientation that is substantially parallel to the vertical axis  304  of the hydraulic tool  300 . The tool  300  further includes a trigger  320  disposed on the handle  316 , and the trigger  320  is configured to be activated by trigger movement along the horizontal axis  302  of the tool  300 . The user may activate the trigger  320  in order to initiate and/or control operation of the working end  308  of the tool  300 . In an example, the trigger movement along the horizontal axis  302  comprises movement in a proximal direction along the horizontal axis. For instance, a user may activate the trigger  320  by pulling the user&#39;s trigger finger  320  proximally in the horizontal direction along the horizontal axis  302  of the tool  300  as shown by arrow  430 . In addition, the handle may also comprise a slide mechanism  325 . Such a slide mechanism  325  may comprise a manual slide mechanism. Such a slide mechanism  325  could be used to prevent a false operating start of the hydraulic tool  300 . Other example trigger and/or slide mechanism arrangements are possible as well. 
     The tool  300  further forms a top surface  330 . Specifically, the housing  340  forms a top surface  330 . For example,  FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of the top surface  330  of the tool  300 . In an example embodiment, tool  300  may be operated by a single hand of user as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . In this exemplary embodiment, the top surface  330  of the tool housing  340  comprises a curved arm support  440 . The curved arm support  440  provides to add extra support of the tool on a user&#39;s arm  410  while the user grasps the tool handle  316  as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . In this illustrated arrangement, the curved arm support  440  comprises a curved surface to generally conform to a user&#39;s forearm  410 . 
     Beneficially, a tool in accordance with the present disclosure offers example advantages over existing hydraulic tools. By being configured to be operated by a single hand of the user, the user may use his or her free hand in order to position and/or stabilize a connector and or wire during a crimping process. In addition, through the unique disclosed orientation of the handle, the tool  300  offers a user the ability to conveniently operate the tool in a plurality of orientations and in compact spaces. In addition, placement of the handle on the hydraulic tool reduces operator fatigue. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an exemplary hydraulic tool arrangement  400  for use with a hydraulic tool, such as the hydraulic tool  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  or the hydraulic tool  300  illustrated in FIG.  9 . Such a hydraulic too may comprise a hydraulic crimping tool or alternatively a hydraulic cutting too. 
     As illustrated, the hydraulic tool  400  comprises a first conductor crimping die  420  and a second conductor crimping die  430 . For example, the first crimping die  420  is operably connected to a crimper die head  460 , such as the crimping die head  160  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Similarly, the second crimping die  430  is operably connected to a moveable die head  450 , such as the moveable die head  150  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As such, the second crimping die  430  is operably connected to a ram assembly, such as the ram assembly  100  illustrated and described herein. 
     Preferably, the first and second crimping dies  420 ,  430  are adapted to be removably mounted to the moveable die head  450  and the crimping die head  460 , respectively. The illustrated hydraulic tool  400  further comprises a crimp alignment indicator  410 . In this illustrated arrangement, the crimp alignment indicator  410  comprises a first alignment feature  412  and a second alignment feature  416 . For example, the first alignment feature  412  is provided along a top surface  426  of the first crimp die  420  and the second alignment feature  416  is provided along a top surface  436  of the second crimp die  430 . Preferably, the first alignment feature  412  comprises certain indicia (e.g., a line) that, in one arrangement, is laser etched on the surface  426  of the first crimp die  420 . Similarly, the second alignment feature  416  may comprise a similarly etched line. 
     An electrical connector  470  is also illustrated in  FIG. 11 . Such a connector  470  may comprise one or more indicia  490  (e.g., line or lines) that indicate a targeted crimping location of the connector  470 . Where a connector  470  requires more than one crimp, the connector  470  may comprise one or more indicia indicating one or more crimp target locations  490 . With the presently disclosed crimp alignment indicator  410 , the first and second alignment features  412 ,  416  may be aligned with the indicia  490  on the connector  470  during a crimping action. As such, the alignment features  412 ,  416  on both dies  420 ,  430  allow a user to see where the connector  470  will be crimped and line up the first and second alignment features  412 ,  416  with the indicia  490  provided on the connector  470 . 
     Such crimping alignment locator  410  results in certain advantages. For example, the alignment locator  410  provides more accurate crimps of electrical connectors in electrical connector crimping tools. Such a system also reduces potential risk of injury to an hydraulic tool operator by allowing the operator to more accurately identify where crimping will occur on an electrical connector being crimped. 
     Exemplary embodiments have been described above. Those skilled in the art will understand, however, that changes and modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention. The description of the different advantageous embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, different advantageous embodiments may provide different advantages as compared to other advantageous embodiments. The embodiment or embodiments selected are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.