Westinghouse Electric Company LLC

James A Kisic

Samuel C McCaslin

A tool for reforming printed circuit board backplane connector pins on a rod control system. The pin reforming tool of this invention is aligned into a card cage using existing card guides and locates itself around the backplane connector. The tool uses a uniquely designed die (that can be set up for one or multiple pin applications) that precisely engages into the connector and around the pin or pins to be reformed, with the assistance of a zig zag alignment guide matched specifically for the pin spacing. A consistent reforming force is applied via a force applicator structured to provide a force of a preselected magnitude.

Pin reforming tool

A test lead assembly is provided for an electrical connector assembly, such as a terminal board. The terminal board includes a generally planar member and a number of fasteners, such as terminal screws, which are structured to fasten and electrically connect electrical conductors to the generally planar member. The test lead assembly includes an extension member having first and second opposing ends, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. The first end is fastened to the enlarged head of a corresponding one of the terminal screws. A connection element is disposed at or about the second end of the extension member. In one embodiment the connection element is a thumb screw that electrically connects a test element to the extension member. The test lead assembly enables the terminal board to be tested, without loosening or otherwise disturbing the electrical connections of the terminal board. An associated method is also disclosed.

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Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America

James A Kisic