WO2025189129A2

WO2025189129A2 - Power tool accessory for removing protective covers from cables

Info

Publication number: WO2025189129A2
Application number: PCT/US2025/018973
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jose Henrique WAECHTER; Leonardo Altermann SERPA; Anthony Y. BOURRET; Marco Lourenco; Jiri MASER; Andre Felipe BRETERNITZ DE SOUZA
Original assignee: Black and Decker Inc
Current assignee: Black and Decker Inc
Priority date: 2024-03-08
Filing date: 2025-03-07
Publication date: 2025-09-12
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-08
Also published as: WO2025189129A8

Abstract

An accessory device for a power-driven tool is provided. The accessory device includes a cable stripping tool to which adjustable, universal bushings can be coupled, to accommodate a plurality of differently configured cables. The adjustable, universal bushings provide for adjustment to accommodate different cable diameters/wire gauges, and for adjustment of a blade position to accommodate different insulation material thicknesses. The accessory device includes a transmission that provides sufficient speed reduction and corresponding increase in output torque to provide for cable stripping functionality.

Description

POWER TOOL ACCESSORY FOR REMOVING PROTECTIVE COVERS FROM CABLES

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/563,054, filed on March 8, 2024, and titled “Power Tool Accessory for Removing Protective Covers from Cables,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] This relates to an accessory device for a power-driven tool, e.g., a rotarypower tool such as a drill, a drill/driver, or an impact driver, and in particular, to an accessory device for removing a protective cover from a cable for use with a power-driven tool, and to bushings for use with such an accessory⁷ device.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A manual tool can be used to remove or strip a protective cover from a cable. By removing the protective cover from the cable, the internal electrical conductor is exposed for use in electrical connections, repairs, and the like. The use of manual tools to remove the protective cover from a cable to expose the internal electrical conductor may be difficult and/or time consuming, particularly in a situation in which the protective cover is to be removed over a relatively long length of cable and/or from a number of cables. Specialized hand or manual tools, and specialized power-driven tools, which are specifically designed for removing the protective cover from cables may be relatively large and/or costly and/or cumbersome to operate.

SUMMARY

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device for a power tool including: an accessory housing; an input shaft extending along a first axis and at least partially received in a first portion of the accessory housing, the input shaft configured to be coupled to a power tool to transmit torque from the power tool; a barrel at a second portion of the accessory housing and configured to rotate about a second axis, which is offset from the first axis, in response to rotation of the input shaft, the barrel including a first end portion and a second end portion; a bushing interchangeably couplable to the first end portion and the second end portion of the barrel so as to rotate together with the barrel; and a blade coupled in the bushing and configured to remove a protective cover from a cable received in the bushing as the barrel and the bushing rotate.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, further including a transmission received in the accessory housing and configured to transmit torque from the input shaft to the barrel, wherein an output speed of the barrel is less than an input speed of the input shaft.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory' device, wherein the second axis is substantially parallel to the first axis.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the second axis is transverse to the first axis.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory' device, further including a depth stop, wherein: in a first mode, the bushing is coupled to one of the first end portion or the second end portion of the barrel, and the depth stop is coupled to the other of the first end portion or the second portion of the barrel, so as to selectively restrict a length of cable inserted into the barrel through the bushing and received in the barrel, and in a second mode, the bushing is coupled to one of the first end portion or the second end portion of the barrel, and the other of the first end portion or the second end portion of the barrel remains open, such that a length of cable inserted into the barrel through the bushing and received in the barrel is not restricted.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory' device, wherein the transmission includes: an input gear in meshed engagement yvith a pinion gear on the input shaft and configured to rotate in response to rotation of the input shaft; a first spur gear coupled to the input gear and configured to rotate in response to rotation of the input gear; a second spur gear in meshed engagement with the first spur gear and configured to rotate in response to rotation of the first spur gear; and idler gears in meshed engagement between the second spur gear and an output gear coupled to the barrel, wherein the barrel is configured to rotate in response to rotation of the second spur gear.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory' device, wherein the transmission includes: a first planetary gear set coupled to the input shaft and configured to receive the torque from the power tool; a second planetary gear set configured to rotate in response to rotation of the first planetary' gear set; a first output gear configured to rotate in response to rotation of the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set; and an idler gear in meshed engagement between the first output gear and a second output gear mounted on an outer circumferential portion of the barrel such that the barrel rotates together with the second output gear in response to rotation of the first output gear.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory' device, wherein the transmission includes: a worm gear that rotates together with the input shaft in response to the torque from the power tool; and a worm wheel mounted on an outer circumferential portion of the barrel and in meshed engagement with the worm gear, such that the barrel rotates together with the worm wheel in response to rotation of the worm gear.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory' device, wherein the transmission includes: a first planetary gear set coupled to the input shaft and configured to receive the torque from the power tool; a second planetary gear set configured to rotate in response to rotation of the first planetary' gear set; an input bevel gear configured to rotate in response to rotation of the first planetary gear set and the second planetary' gear set; and an output bevel gear mounted on an outer circumferential portion of the barrel and in meshed engagement with the input bevel gear, such that the barrel rotates together with the output bevel gear in response to rotation of the input bevel gear.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory' device, further including a depth stop selectively couplable to the barrel and configured to restrict a length of cable received in the barrel, wherein the depth stop includes: a housing couplable to one of the first end portion or the second end portion of the barrel; and an adjustment device coupled to the housing, including a knob and a shank portion extending from the knob, into the housing, wherein the shank portion extends a selected depth into the barrel in response to a manipulation of the knob, such that a distal end portion of the shank portion restricts a length of cable received through the bushing and into the barrel.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device for a power tool, including: an accessory' housing; an input shaft at least partially received in a first portion of the accessory housing and configured to be coupled to a power tool to transmit torque from the power tool; a barrel at second portion of the accessory housing and configured rotate in response to rotation of the input shaft; a bushing selectively couplable to the barrel so as to rotate together yvith the barrel; a blade coupled in the bushing and configured to remove a protective cover from a cable received in the bushing as the barrel and the bushing rotate; and a depth stop selectively couplable to the barrel to selectively restrict a length of cable received in the barrel through the bushing, wherein: in a first mode, the bushing is coupled to one of a first end portion or a second end portion of the barrel, and the depth stop is coupled to the other of the first end portion or the second end portion of the barrel, so as to selectively restrict the length of the cable inserted into the barrel through the bushing and received in the barrel, and in a second mode, the bushing is coupled to one of the first end portion or the second end portion of the barrel, and the other of the first end portion or the second end portion of the barrel remains open, such that the length of the cable inserted into the barrel through the bushing and received in the barrel is not restricted.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the input shaft rotates about a first axis, and the barrel rotates about a second axis that is offset from, and substantially parallel to, the first axis.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the input shaft rotates about a first axis, and the barrel rotates about a second axis that is offset from, and transverse to, the first axis.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, further including a transmission configured to transmit torque from the input shaft to the barrel, wherein an output speed of the barrel is less than an input speed of the input shaft.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the depth stop includes: a housing configured to be coupled in the first end portion or the second end portion of the barrel; and an adjustment device coupled to the housing, the adjustment device including: a knob positioned outside of the housing of the depth stop; and a shank portion extending from the knob, and into the housing of the depth stop, wherein the shank portion extends a selected depth into the barrel in response to a manipulation of the knob, such that a distal end portion of the shank portion restricts a length of cable received through the bushing and into the barrel.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, further including a locking mechanism that secures a selected position of the shank portion in the barrel, wherein the locking mechanism includes: a body portion positioned in an opening in the housing of the depth stop; and a pin threadably engaged in an opening extending through the body portion, wherein a distal end portion of the pm selectively engages the shank portion to fix a position of the shank portion of the depth stop in the barrel in response to a manipulation of the pin.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory' device for a power tool, including: an accessory’ housing; a speed reduction transmission received in the accessory housing; an input shaft at least partially received in a first end portion of the accessory housing and configured to be coupled to a power tool to transmit a rotary force from the power tool to the transmission; a barrel at second end portion of the accessoryhousing and coupled to the transmission so as to rotate in response to a torque output by the transmission; and a bushing coupled to the barrel so as to rotate together with the barrel, wherein the bushing is adjustable to receive a plurality- of differently configured cables therein for removal, by a blade coupled to the bushing, of a protective cover from the plurality of differently configured cables.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, wherein the bushing provides for at least one of an adjustment of a position of a cable to a plurality of different positions within the bushing, or an adjustment of a position of the blade relative to the cable within the bushing.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, w herein a central axis of the cable at the plurality of different positions within the bushing is substantially coaxial with an axis of rotation of the bushing.

[0023] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an accessory device, w herein a central axis of the cable at at least one of the plurality- of different positions within the bushing is offset from an axis of rotation of the bushing.

[0024] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing assembly for a cable stripping tool, including: a bushing body configured to be coupled to a rotating member of a cable stripping tool; a blade coupled in the bushing body and configured to remove a protective cover from a cable received in the bushing assembly as the bushing body rotates; and an adapter removably coupled to the bushing body, wherein the adapter includes: a flange portion; a guide opening formed in the flange portion; and a guide portion extending from the flange portion, at a position corresponding to the guide opening in the flange portion, wherein the guide opening and the guide portion are configured to guide the cable into the bushing body.

[0025] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing assembly, wherein the adapter is one of a plurality of adapters, and wherein the guide opening of each of the plurality of adapters is differently sized and differently positioned to guide insertion of a plurality of differently configured cables into the bushing body to maintain contact with the blade in the bushing body.

[0026] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing assembly, w herein each of the plurality of adapters includes: a first opening at a first peripheral portion of the flange portion; a second opening formed at a second peripheral portion of the guide portion; and a fastener removably coupling the adapter to the bushing body via one of the first opening or the second opening and into a corresponding opening formed in a mating surface of the bushing body.

[0027] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing assembly, wherein the first opening is at a first position relative to a centerline of the flange portion, and the second opening is at a second position relative to the centerline of the flange portion, such that a coupling of the adapter to the bushing body via the first opening positions the cable at a first position relative to the blade, and a coupling of the adapter to the bushing body via the second opening positions the cable at a second position relative to the blade.

[0028] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing for a cable stripping tool, including: a bushing body configured to be coupled to a rotating member of a cable stripping tool; a blade coupled in the bushing body and configured to remove a protective cover from a cable received in the bushing body as the bushing body rotates; a cable carriage; and an adjuster coupled between the bushing body and the cable carriage to movably couple the cable carriage to the bushing body, wherein the bushing body and the cable carriage define a receiving space therebetween configured to accommodate a cable received in the bushing, and wherein the cable carriage is movable to a plurality of positions relative to the bushing body in response to manipulation of the adjuster, to position the cable in contact with the blade coupled in the bushing body.

[0029] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing, wherein the plurality of positions of the cable carriage relative to the bushing body are configured to accommodate a plurality of differently configured cables, and to position the plurality⁷ of differently configured cables in contact with the blade coupled in the bushing body.

[0030] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing, wherein a central axis of the cable at at least one of the plurality of positions of the cable carriage relative to the bushing body is offset from an axis of rotation of the bushing.

[0031] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing, wherein the adjuster includes an adjustment rod that extends between a first peripheral portion of the bushing body and a first peripheral portion of the cable carriage, and wherein the bushing further includes: a guide rod provided at a second peripheral portion of the bushing body; and a guide recess provided at a second peripheral portion of the cable carriage, w herein the guide rod is slidably received in the guide recess, to guide linear movement of the cable carriage relative to the bushing body.

[0032] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing, wherein the cable carriage is threadably coupled to the adjustment rod.

[0033] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing, wherein a position of the blade and a position of the cable carnage are adjusted in response to manipulation of the adjuster.

[0034] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing, wherein the adjuster includes: a rack gear coupled to the cable carriage; and a pinion coupled to a selection device and engaged with the rack gear, and configured to rotate in response to manipulation of the selection device, wherein rotation of the pinion in a first direction draws the cable carriage in a first direction toward the bushing body, and rotation of the pinion in a second direction draws the cable carriage in a second direction away from the bushing body.

[0035] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing, further including: a first tooth plate formed on the selection device; and a second tooth plate coupled to the bushing body, wherein a mating surface of the first tooth plate selectively engages a mating surface of the second tooth plate to maintain a selected position of the cable carriage relative to the bushing body.

[0036] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing assembly for a cable stripping tool, including: a bushing body configured to be coupled to a rotating member of a cable stripping tool; a coupling portion provided on the bushing body and configured to couple the bushing body to a barrel of the cable stripping tool; a blade coupled in the bushing body and configured to remove a protective cover from a cable received in the bushing body as the bushing body rotates; a cable guiding device coupled to the bushing body and configured to position a cable into the bushing body so as to contact the blade, wherein the cable guiding device is selectively adjustable by a user to a plurality of different positions in the bushing body to accommodate a plurality of differently configured cables.

[0037] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing assembly, further including a blade adjustment device configured to adjust a position of the blade in the bushing body.

[0038] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing assembly, wherein the cable guiding device includes: a plurality of jaws coupled in the bushing body, wherein each of the plurality of jaws has a rod-shaped main body that extends longitudinally into the bushing body, and each of the plurality of jaws has a tapered front end portion configured to guide a cable, of the plurality of differently configured cables, into a receiving space in a central area defined by the plurality of jaws; and a plurality of radially oriented biasing members coupling the plurality of jaws in the bushing body, such that each of the plurality of jaws is biased radially inward, wherein each of the plurality of jaws is configured to move radially outward in response to insertion of a cable, of the plurality’ of differently configured cables, into the receiving space.

[0039] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing assembly, wherein the blade is coupled in a frame coupled to the bushing body, wherein the blade adjustment device includes a plurality of slots formed in the frame, each of the plurality of slots including at least one opening to which the blade is selectively coupleable to adjust a position of the blade relative to the cable.

[0040] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing assembly, wherein the cable guiding device includes: an adapter removably coupled to the bushing body, wherein the adapter includes: a flange portion; a guide opening formed in the flange portion; and a guide portion extending from the flange portion, at a position corresponding to the guide opening in the flange portion, wherein the guide opening and the guide portion are configured to guide the cable into the bushing body, wherein the adapter is one of a plurality of adapters, and wherein the guide opening of each of the plurality of adapters is differently sized and differently positioned to guide insertion of a plurality of differently configured cables into the bushing body to maintain contact with the blade in the bushing body.

[0041] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing assembly, wherein the cable guiding device includes: a cable carriage; and an adjustment rod threadably coupled between a first peripheral portion of the bushing body and a first peripheral portion of the cable carriage to movably couple the cable carriage to the bushing body; and a guide rod provided at a second peripheral portion of the bushing body, slidably received in a guide recess formed at a second peripheral portion of the cable carriage, to guide linear movement of the cable carriage relative to the bushing body, wherein the bushing body and the cable carriage define a receiving space therebetween configured to accommodate a cable received in the bushing body, and wherein the cable carriage is movable to a plurality of positions relative to the bushing body in response to manipulation of the adjustment rod, to accommodate a plurality of differently configured cables, and to position the plurality of differently configured cables in contact with the blade.

[0042] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing assembly, wherein the cable guiding device includes: a sleeve fitted around the bushing body; an annular collar selectively engaged with an end portion of the sleeve; a first roller assembly movably coupled in a first recess in the bushing body, with a first pin extending into a first arcuate slot formed in the annular collar; a second roller assembly movably coupled in a second recess in the bushing body, with a second pin extending into a second arcuate slot formed in the annular collar; a blade carriage movably coupled to the bushing body, with a third pin extending from the blade carriage through a third arcuate slot formed in the annular collar, wherein the first pin, the second pin, and the third pin move in the first arcuate slot, the second arcuate slot, and the third arcuate slot, respectively, in response to rotation of the annular collar, and the blade carriage defining the blade adjustment device, the first roller assembly, and the second roller assembly move radially in response to rotation of the annular collar and movement of the first, second and third pins in the first, second and third arcuate slots, to position a cable in the bushing body relative to the blade.

[0043] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing assembly, wherein the cable guiding device includes: a sleeve fitted around the bushing body; an annular collar selectively engaged with an end portion of the sleeve; a first jaw and a second jaw movably mounted in the bushing body by a linkage assembly so as to define a receiving space therebetween; a first pin extending from the first jaw into a first arcuate slot formed in the annular collar; a second pin extending from the second jaw into a second arcuate slot formed in the annular collar; and a blade carriage coupled to the first jaw such that the blade carriage and the blade coupled thereto move together with the first jaw, wherein the first pin and the second pin move in the first arcuate slot and the second arcuate slot, respectively, in response to rotation of the annular collar, and the blade carriage defining the blade adjustment device, the first jaw and the second jaw move in response to rotation of the annular collar and movement of the first and second pins in the first and second arcuate slots, to position a cable in the bushing body relative to the blade.

[0044] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing assembly, wherein the cable guiding device includes: a cap removably coupled to the bushing body, the cap including: a cap body; a guide opening formed in the cap body; a guide portion extending from the cap body, at a position corresponding to the guide opening, with a helical adjustment groove defined in an outer circumferential surface of the guide portion; and a tapered portion extending from the guide portion; and an adjustment pin extending through the bushing body and engaged in the adjustment groove, wherein the tapered portion contacts a blade mounting bracket to adjust a position of the blade in response to rotation of the cap, and wherein the cap is one of a plurality' of caps, and wherein the guide opening and the guide portion of each of the plurality of caps is differently sized to guide insertion of a plurality of differently configured cables into the bushing body to maintain contact with the blade in the bushing body. [0045] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing assembly, further including an insert defining the guide portion and the tapered portion of the cap, with the insert coupled in the guide opening formed in the cap body, wherein the insert is one of a plurality of differently sized inserts configured to accommodate a plurality of differently sized cables.

[0046] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing assembly for a cable stripping tool, including: a bushing body configured to be coupled to a rotating member of a cable stripping tool; a coupling portion provided on the bushing body and configured to couple the bushing body to a barrel of the cable stripping tool; a blade coupled to and configured to rotate with the bushing body: and a first cable support and a second cable support movably coupled to the bushing body and spaced angularly from each other and from the blade, wherein the first cable support and the second cable support are movable in response to insertion of a cable into the bushing body to align a plurality of sizes of cables with the blade so that when the bushing body rotates, the blade is configured to remove a protective cover from the cable, and wherein, for at least one size of cable, the first and second cable supports are configured to align the cable such that an axis of the cable is offset from a central axis of the bushing body.

[0047] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing assembly, wherein the first cable support and the second cable support each include a jaw.

[0048] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing assembly, wherein the first cable support and the second cable support each include a low friction support member.

[0049] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing assembly, wherein the low friction support member defining the first cable support and the second cable support is at least one of a pin or a ball.

[0050] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing assembly, wherein the first cable support and the second cable support are biased generally toward the blade.

[0051] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a bushing assembly, wherein the first cable support and the second cable support each include a plurality of balls that are biased toward the blade.

[0052] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] FIG. 1 A is a perspective view of an example rotary power tool for use with an example accessory device.

[0054] FIG. IB is a side view schematically illustrating a coupling of an example accessory device to the example rotary power tool shown in FIG. 1A.

[0055] FIG. 2A is a side view of an example accessory device coupled to an example rotary power tool.

[0056] FIG. 2B is a side view of the example accessory device de-coupled from the example rotary power tool shown in FIG. 2A.

[0057] FIG. 2C is a perspective view, and FIG. 2D is an axial end view, of an example bushing that is removably couplable with the example accessory device shown in FIGs. 2A and 2B.

[0058] FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view of the example accessory device coupled to the example power tool shown in FIG. 2A.

[0059] FIG. 2F is a close in view of an area C shown in FIG. 2E.

[0060] FIG. 3 A is a perspective view' of an example accessory device.

[0061] FIG. 3B is a side view of an example transmission of the example accessory’ device shown in FIG. 3A, with a portion of a housing of the example accessory device removed.

[0062] FIG. 3C is a perspective view' of the example transmission show n in FIG. 3B.

[0063] FIG. 3D is a first perspective view, and FIG. 3E is a second perspective view, of an example die portion of the example accessory device shown in FIG. 3A.

[0064] FIG. 4 A is a side view of an example accessory device coupled to an example rotary pow er tool.

[0065] FIG. 4B is a first perspective view, and FIG. 4C is a second perspective view, of the example accessory’ device shown in FIG. 4A, de-coupled from the example rotary power tool.

[0066] FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view' of the example accessory device shown in FIGs. 4A-4C.

[0067] FIG. 4E is a perspective view of an example transmission of the example accessory' device shown in FIGs. 4A-4D.

[0068] FIG. 5 A is a perspective view of an example accessory' device coupled to an example rotary power tool.

[0069] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the example accessory device shown in FIG.

5A. de-coupled from the example rotary power tool, with an example bushing and an example stopping mechanism decoupled from the accessory device.

[0070] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the example accessory⁷ device shown in FIGs.

5A and 5B. with a portion of a housing removed so that an example transmission is visible.

[0071] FIG. 5D illustrates a first coupling arrangement of an example bushing to the example accessory device, with a portion of a housing removed.

[0072] FIG. 5E illustrates a second coupling arrangement of an example bushing to the example accessory device, with a portion of a housing removed.

[0073] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an example stopping mechanism.

[0074] FIG. 6B(1) illustrates the example stopping mechanism coupled to an example accessory⁷ device, in a first state of the example stopping mechanism.

[0075] FIG. 6B(2) is a cross-sectional view of the example stopping mechanism in the first state.

[0076] FIG. 6C(1) illustrates the example stopping mechanism 600 coupled to an example accessory' device 500, in a second state of the example stopping mechanism 600.

[0077] FIG. 6C(2) is a cross-sectional view of the example stopping mechanism in the second state.

[0078] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an example accessory' device coupled to an example rotary' power tool.

[0079] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the example accessory' device shown in FIG.

7A, de-coupled from the example rotary power tool.

[0080] FIG. 7C is a perspective view of an example transmission of the example accessory' device shown in FIGs. 7A and 7B.

[0081] FIG. 8A is a perspective view' of an example bushing.

[0082] FIG. 8B is a partially transparent side view⁷ of the example bushing shown in

FIG. 8A.

[0083] FIG. 8C is an axial end view of the example bushing show n in FIGs. 8A and 8B, in a first state.

[0084] FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view⁷ of the example bushing, in the first state shown in FIG. 8C.

[0085] FIG. 8E is an axial end view of the example bushing shown in FIGs. 8A and 8B, in a second state. [0086] FIG. 8F is a cross-sectional view of the example bushing, in the second state shown in FIG. 8E.

[0087] FIG. 8G is an axial end view of the example bushing shown in FIGs. 8A and 8B, in a third state.

[0088] FIG. 8H is a cross-sectional view of the example bushing, in the third state shown in FIG. 8G.

[0089] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an example bushing assembly.

[0090] FIG. 9B is a perspective view, illustrating a plurality⁷ of example adapters and an example bushing body of the example bushing assembly shown in FIG. 9A.

[0091] FIG. 9C is an axial end view of the example bushing body shown in FIG. 9B.

[0092] FIG. 9D illustrates a first coupled state, and FIG. 9E illustrates a second coupled state, of an example adapter to the example bushing body shown in FIG. 9B.

[0093] FIG. 10A is a first perspective view, and FIG. 10B is a second perspective view, of an example bushing.

[0094] FIG. 10C is an exploded perspective view of the example bushing shown in FIGs. lOA and 10B.

[0095] FIG. 10D is an axial end view of the example bushing, in a first state.

[0096] FIG. 10E is an axial end view of the example bushing, in a second state.

[0097] FIG. HAis a first perspective view, and FIG. 1 IB is a second perspective view, of an example bushing.

[0098] FIG. 11 C is an exploded perspective view of the example bushing show n in FIGs. HA and 11B.

[0099] FIG. HD is a cross-sectional perspective view of the example bushing shown in FIGs. 11 A- 11C.

[00100] FIGs. 1 IE and 1 IF are side views of the example bushing shown in FIGs.

11A-11D.

[00101] FIG. 11G is an axial end view⁷ of the example bushing shown in FIGs. 11A-

1 IF in a first state, with an aperture plate removed.

[00102] FIG. 11H is an axial end view of the example bushing shown in FIGs. 11A-

1 IF in a second state, with the aperture plate removed.

[00103] FIG. 12Ais a perspective view of an example bushing assembly 1200.

[00104] FIG. 12B illustrates relative arrangement of internal components of the example bushing shown in FIG. 12A.

[00105] FIG. 12C is an exploded perspective view of the example bushing shown in FIGs. 12A and 12B.

[00106] FIG. 12D is a cross-sectional view of the example bushing shown in FIGs. 12A-12C.

[00107] FIGs. 12E(1)-12E(3) illustrate a setting and adjustment process for the example bushing shown in FIGs. 12A-12D.

[00108] FIG. 12F is an axial view of an arrangement of internal components of the example bushing shown in FIGs. 12A-12E(3). in a first state.

[00109] FIG. 12G is an axial end view of internal components of the example bushing shown in FIGs. 12A-12E, in a second state.

[00110] FIG. 13Ais an assembled perspective view- of an example bushing assembly.

[00111] FIG. 13B is an exploded perspective view of the example bushing assembly- shown in FIG. 13 A.

[00112] FIG. 13C is a partially disassembled view of the example bushing assembly shown in FIGs. 13A and 13B.

[00113] FIG. 13D is a side view of the example bushing assembly shown in FIGs. 13A-13C, with a portion of a housing removed.

[00114] FIG. 13E illustrates an assembly process associated with the example bushing assembly shown in FIGs. 13A-13D.

[00115] FIG. 13F illustrates an example adjustment process associated with the bushing assembly shown in FIGs. 13A-13D.

[00116] FIG. 13G is an axial end view of the example bushing assembly' shown in FIGs. 13A-13D, in a first state.

[00117] FIG. 13H is an axial end view of the example bushing assembly shown in FIGs. 13A-13D, in a second state.

[00118] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of an example bushing assembly.

[00119] FIG. 14B is a partially disassembled perspective view of example bushing assembly shown in FIG. 14A, illustrating an example coupling process including an example adapter.

[00120] FIG. 14C illustrates a coupling process associated with the example bushing assembly- shown in FIGs. 14A and 14B, including an example adapter.

[00121] FIG. 14D illustrates a coupling process associated with the example bushing assembly shown in FIGs. 14A and 14B, including an example adapter.

[00122] FIG. 15A is an assembled perspective view of an example bushing.

[00123] FIG. 15B illustrates an example adjustment mechanism of the example bushing shown in FIG. 15 A.

[00124] FIG. 15C is an exploded perspective view of the example bushing shown in FIG. 15 A.

[00125] FIG. 15D is a cross-sectional view, and FIG. 15E is a side view, of the example bushing shown in FIGs. 15A-15C, illustrating operation of the example adjustment mechanism of the example bushing.

[00126] FIG. 15F is an axial end view of the example bushing shown in FIGs. 15A- 15D, in a first state.

[00127] FIG. 15G is an axial end view of the example bushing shown in FIGs. 15A- 15D, in a second state.

[00128] FIG. 16A is a perspective view of an example bushing.

[00129] FIG. 16B is a transparent perspective view; and FIG. 16C is a transparent axial end view; of the example bushing shown in FIG. 16A.

[00130] FIG. 16D is an axial end view⁷ of the example bushing shown in FIGs. 16A- 16C, in a first state.

[00131] FIG. 16E axial end view of the example bushing shown in FIGs. 16A-16C, in a second state.

[00132] FIG. 17Ais a first perspective view⁷ and FIG. 17B is a second perspective view of an example bushing.

[00133] FIG. 17C is an exploded perspective view of the example bushing of FIGs. 17A and 17B.

[00134] FIG. 17D is an axial end view⁷ of the example bushing of FIGs. 17A-17C in a first state for a first cable having a first configuration.

[00135] FIG. 17E is an axial end view of the example bushing of FIGs. 17A-17C in a second state for a second cable having a second configuration.

[00136] FIG. 17F is an exploded perspective view of the example bushing of FIGs. 17A-17C.

[00137] FIG. 17G is a bottom side view of the example bushing of FIGs. 17A-17C.

[00138] FIG. 17H is an exploded bottom perspective view of the example bushing of

FIGs. 17A-17C.

[00139] FIG. 171 is a perspective cross-sectional view⁷ of the example bushing of FIGs. 17A-17C.

[00140] FIG. 17J is an end cross-sectional new of the example bushing of FIGs. 17A- 17C. [00141] FIG. 17K and 17L are, respectively, perspective views of the example bushing of FIGs. 17A-17C spaced from and coupled to a removable handle.

[00142] FIG. 17M and 17N are first and second perspective views of an example bushing.

[00143] FIG. 18Ais a top perspective view of an example bushing.

[00144] FIG. 18B is an exploded view of the example bushing of FIG. 18A.

[00145] FIG. 18C is an exploded view of a cable camage of the example bushing of

FIG. 18 A.

[00146] FIGs. 18D, 18E, and 18F are, respectively, a perspective view, end view, and cross-sectional view of the example bushing of FIG. 18A showing a cable carriage in a retracted position.

[00147] FIGs. 18G, 18H, and 181 are, respectively, a perspective view, end view, and cross-sectional view of the example bushing of FIG. 18A with the cable carriage in an extended position.

[00148] FIG. 18J is a first bottom perspective view of the example bushing of FIG. 18 A.

[00149] FIG. 18K is a second bottom perspective view of the example bushing 1800.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00150] An accessory' device, in accordance with implementations described herein, can be coupled to a power-driven tool, for example, a rotary' power-driven power tool, such as, for example, a drill, a drill/driver, an impact driver, and other such power-driven tools. An accessory' device, in accordance with implementations described herein, facilitates the removal or stripping of a protective cover from a cable to expose a conductor within the protective cover. In accordance with implementations described herein, a cable may include an elongated conductor, e.g.. of electricity or light, such as a wire, a coaxial cable, a bundle of wires, a fiber optic line, or an ethemet cable, that is covered by a protective cover, such as one or more layers of an insulator and/or a jacket. An accessory' device, in accordance with implementations described herein, may be configured to remove or strip such a protective cover from such a cable, and may sometimes be called a cable or wire stripping accessory or tool. An accessory device, in accordance with implementations described herein, may include a transmission that transmits a force, generated by the power-driven tool, for output by the accessory' device. In some examples, the transmission provides for a speed reduction and corresponding increase in torque from an output portion of the power-driven tool/input portion of the accessory device to an output portion of the accessory device. In some examples, an output axis of the accessory device is aligned with, or coaxial with, an output axis of the power-driven tool. In some examples, an output axis of the accessory device is arranged substantially in parallel with the output axis of the power-driven tool. In some examples, an output axis of the accessory device is offset from the output axis of the power- driven tool. In some examples, the output axis of the accessory device is arranged substantially orthogonally to the output axis of the power-driven tool.

[00151] In some examples, the accessory device includes a bushing that is removably couplable to an output portion of the accessory' device. In some examples, a blade is coupled in the bushing and is configured to remove material from a cable received through the bushing to expose an internal wire. In some examples, the bushing is adjustable so as to receive a plurality of different configurations of cables including different gauge wires and/or different thicknesses of protective cover. In some examples, this includes cables having different overall diameters, wires having different diameters or gauges, protective covers having different thicknesses, and the like. In some examples, the accessory device includes a stopping mechanism that restricts or limits a length of protective cover to be removed from a cable. In some examples, the length of protective cover to be removed from a cable is selectable by a user of the accessory device.

[00152] An accessory device, in accordance with implementations described herein, can be coupled to a power-driven tool, to provide the user with the functionality of a cable stripping tool (by coupling the accessory device to the power-driven tool) without being limited to the singular functionality associated with a specialized power-driven cable stripping tool. Hereinafter, a cable may be considered to include an internal conductor such as a wire or fibers, surrounded by an external material such as insulation material, jacketing and the like.

[00153] FIG. 1 A is a perspective view of an example rotary' power tool 100 to which an accessory device, such as a cable stripping accessory or a cable stripping tool, in accordance with implementations described herein, can be coupled. FIG. IB is a side view, illustrating an example accessory device 150, such as, for example, one of the example accessory' devices in the form of a cable stripping tool or cable stripping accessory' described herein, coupled to the example power tool 100. In FIG. 1 A, the example rotary power tool 100 is in the form of an impact driver, simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. The principles to be described herein are applicable to the connection of an accessory device, in the form of a cable stripping accessory' or cable stripping tool, to other types of rotary' power tools including, for example, a drill or drill/ driver and the like. Similarly, the principles to be described herein are applicable to the coupling of one or more of the bushings described herein, to a variety⁷ of different cable stripping tools, including one of the accessory devices described herein, dedicated cable stripping tools, and the like.

[00154] The example power tool 100 shown in FIG. 1 A includes a tool holder 170 that provides for coupling of output tools and/or devices and/or accessories, including a cable stripping accessory' or cable stripping tool, in accordance with implementations described herein. The example power tool 100 shown in FIG. 1 A includes a housing 190, in which components such as, for example, a motor, a transmission, an output assembly and the like are housed. In a situation in which the example power tool 100 is an impact driver, an impact mechanism may be received in the housing 190. In some examples, the transmission (and the impact mechanism, if so equipped) transmits a force generated by the motor to the output tool and/or device and/or accessory coupled at the tool holder 170 via the output assembly, to drive the output tool and/or device and/or accessory coupled at the tool holder 170 to perform an operation on a workpiece. The tool holder 170 is provided at an end portion of the housing 190, corresponding to a working end of the example power tool 100. In some examples, the tool holder 170 includes a quick-release hex receptacle. A trigger 120 for triggering operation of the example power tool 100 is provided at a handle portion 195 of the housing 190. One or more selection devices 180, accessible to a user at the outside of the housing 190, provide for user control of the example power tool 100. For example, the one or more selection devices 180 can be manipulated by the user to turn the example powder tool 100 on and off, to set an operation mode of the example power tool 100, to set an operational speed of the example power tool 100, to set an operational direction of the example power tool 100, and the like.

[00155] As shown in FIG. IB, in some examples, an angled brace assembly 130 may be coupled to the example power tool 100. The angled brace assembly 130 may reinforce a coupling of the example accessory device 150 to the example pow er tool 100. The angled brace assembly 130 may be similar to one of the brace assemblies described and shown in commonly owned U.S. Patent Application. No. 17/658.276. filed on April 7, 2022. entitled “Power Tool Accessory System with Brace,” and U.S. Application No. 18/501,004, filed Nov. 2, 2023, entitled “Power Tool Accessory' System w ith Brace,” the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The example brace assembly 130 is illustrated in FIG. IB, simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. Any of the brace assemblies described in the aforementioned patent application(s) may be applicable. Additionally, any of the example accessory devices, in accordance with implementations described herein, may be operable with the example power tool 100 and/or another power tool not explicitly shown herein, with or without the use of the example brace assembly 130.

[00156] The example brace assembly 130 shown in FIG. IB includes a clamping assembly 140 configured to be removably and rigidly attached to a base portion 198 of the handle portion 195 of the housing 190. A collar 132 of the example brace assembly 130 is configured to be coupled to a rear end portion of a housing 159 of the example accessorydevice 150, as shown in FIG. IB. In some examples, the collar 132 of the example brace assembly 130 is coupled on a collar portion 152 of the housing 159 of the example accessory device 150. An arm assembly 134 has a first end portion 135 pivotally coupled to the collar 132, and an opposite, second end portion 137 coupled to the clamping assembly 140. FIG. IB illustrates the brace assembly 130 coupled to the example power tool 100 via the clamping assembly 140, w ith the collar 132 coupled betw een the first end portion 135 of the arm assembly 134 and the collar portion 152 of the housing 159 of the example accessory- device 150. In the example shown in FIG. IB, an output axis B of the example accessory device 150 is substantially axially aligned w ith, and coaxial with, an output axis A of the example power tool 100 (corresponding to an input axis of the example accessory device 150), simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. The principles described herein are similarly applicable to a coupling of accessory devices to an example power tool, with or without the example brace assembly, in which the output axis B of the example accessory device 150 is arranged differently with respect to the output axis A of the example powder tool 100 including, for example, an offset parallel arrangement, an orthogonal arrangement, and other relative arrangements of the respective output axes of the and the pow er tool and accessorydevice coupled thereto.

[00157] FIG. 2A is a side view of an example accessory device 200, in the form of a cable stripping tool or cable stripping accessory; coupled to the example pow er tool 100. FIG. 2B is a side view of the example accessory- device 200, de-coupled from the example power tool 100. The example brace assembly 130 is included in the coupled state shown in FIG. 2A, simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. FIG. 2C is a perspective view, and FIG. 2D is an axial end view, of an example bushing 250 that is selectively couplable to the example accessory- device 200, to provide for the removal of a protective cover from a cable. FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view of the example accessory device 200 coupled to the example power tool 100 as shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2F is a close-in view of an area C shown in FIG. 2E.

[00158] In the example arrangement shown in FIG. 2A, the output axis B of the example accessory device 200 is substantially aligned with, and substantially coaxial with, the output axis A of the example power tool 100. In the example arrangement shown in FIG. 2A, the example brace assembly 130 is coupled between the example power tool 100 and the example accessory device 200. In particular, in the example arrangement shown in FIG. 2A, the collar 132 of the example brace assembly 130 is coupled to an attachment portion 292, or collar portion of a housing 290 of the example accessory device 200, with the second end portion 137 of the arm assembly 134 of the example brace assembly 130 coupled to the base portion 198 of the housing 190 of the example power tool 100 via the clamping assembly 140. The principles to be described herein are similarly applicable to accessory devices coupled to an example pow er tool without the use of the example brace assembly 130.

[00159] The example accessory device 200 includes a housing 290 in which various components of the accessory device 200 are received. The accessory device 200 includes an input shaft 235 that receives a rotary input torque from a power tool, such as the example pow er tool 100, to which the accessory device 200 is coupled. For example, the input shaft 235 may be coupled in the tool holder 170 of the example power tool 100 described above, so that a driving force generated by the power tool 100 is transmitted to the accessory device 200 via the input shaft 235. The input shaft 235 drives a transmission 230 received in the housing 290.

[00160] The example accessory device 200 includes a barrel 240 coupled to an output portion of the transmission 230. The barrel 240 may be coupled to the output portion of the transmission 230 such that the barrel 240 rotates together w ith an output shaft 237 of the transmission 230. The barrel 240 may include an outer wall 242 defining a hollow^ interior portion in which an end portion of a cable may be received as the outer covering, or jacketing, or insulation is removed by the accessory device 200. The barrel 240 includes a bushing receptacle 244 at an end portion thereof, for example, a working end portion thereof. A bushing 250 may be selectively coupled to the bushing receptacle 244 to provide for cable stripping functionality of the example accessory device 200.

[00161] In some examples, the bushing 250 includes a cylindrical body portion 252 defining a central opening 258, and a flange portion 254 that is removably couplable in the bushing receptacle 244 of the barrel 240. In the example arrangement shown in FIGs. 2A-2F, the flange portion 254 of the bushing 250 is coupled in, and fixed in the bushing receptacle 244 of the barrel 240 by a bushing lock knob 246, such that the bushing 250 rotates together with the barrel 240 of the accessory device 200 in response to a rotary input force, or torque, transmitted thereto from the example power tool 100. In the example shown in FIGs. 2C and 2D. the example bushing 250 includes a blade 256 that is fitted in a slot 255 formed in the body portion 252 of the bushing 250. The blade 256 extends transversely, through the cylindrical body portion 252 and into the central opening 258 of the bushing 250. The cutting end of the blade 256 positioned in the central opening 258 provides for the removal of a protective cover from a cable received through the bushing 250 and into the barrel 240, as the barrel 240 and the bushing 250 rotate. FIGs. 2C and 2D illustrate just one example bushing 250. A plurality of different bushings are couplable to the barrel 240 of the example accessory device 200. The plurality of different bushings may be configured to provide for the removal of a protective cover from cables having different diameters, wires having different gauges, different insulation material thicknesses, and the like. In some examples, one or more adjustable bushings, to be described herein, may be removably couplable to the barrel 240 of the accessory device 200. The adjustable bushings may be adjustable to provide for the removal of material from cables having more than one wire diameter or gauge, more than one thickness of protective cover and the like.

[00162] In the example arrangement shown in FIGs. 2A-2F, the input shaft 235 receives an input force, e.g.. a rotary input force, or torque, from the example power tool 100, and transmits that rotary input force to the transmission 230. In this example arrangement, the transmission 230 is a planetary' transmission including a sun gear 232 mounted on the input shaft 235 such that the sun gear 232 rotates together with the input shaft 235. A plurality of planet gears 234 are mounted on a planet carrier 238. The plurality of planet gears 234 are mounted such that they are in meshed engagement with the sun gear 232, and with a ring gear

236 mounted in the housing 290. In this example arrangement, the transmission 230 including the sun gear 232 and the plurality of planet gears 234 provides for a reduction in speed/increase in torque from the speed/torque input from the power tool 100 at the input shaft 235 to the speed/torque output by the accessory device 200. In this example arrangement, the plurality of planet gears 234 rotate in response to rotation of the sun gear 232 (and in response to rotation of the input shaft 235), causing rotation of the output shaft

237 coupled to the planet carrier 238. Rotation of the output shaft 237 in turn causes the barrel 240 coupled thereto to rotate. In some examples, the output shaft 237 is coupled, for example, fixedly coupled, to a coupling block 245 fixed in an end portion of the barrel 240, opposite the bushing receptacle 244, such that the barrel 240 rotates together with the output shaft 237. The bushing 250, having the flange portion 254 fixed in the bushing receptacle 244 of the barrel 240, rotates together with the barrel 240. When a cable is inserted into the central opening 258 of the bushing 250, and the bushing 250 rotates, the cable is drawn through the bushing 250. where the blade 256 is positioned to contact the cable, and remove the material (e.g., the outer covering, or jacketing, or insulation) from the cable as the bushing 250 rotates, thus exposing the internal wire.

[00163] In some examples, the example accessory device 200 includes a stopping mechanism 260. In this example arrangement, the stopping mechanism 260 includes an adjustment knob 262 including a shank portion 264. A depth stop 266 is coupled to the shank portion 264 and received in the hollow interior portion of the barrel 240. The adjustment knob 262 may be manipulated by a user to set a desired depth, or a desired length of the cable to be stripped. In the example arrangement shown in FIGs. 2A-2F, the adjustment knob 262 may be manipulated, for example, loosened, to allow the shank portion 264 and the depth stop fitted thereon, to move within the hollow interior portion defined within the outer wall 242 of the barrel 240, to set a desired depth. In some examples, the shank portion 264 is slidable within a slot 268 formed within the outer wall 242 of the barrel 240, to a desired position corresponding to a desired depth within the hollow interior portion formed within the barrel 240, or a desired length of protective cover to be stripped from a cable. In some examples, indexing marks, or indicia (not shown in FIGs. 2A-2F) are provided on an outer surface of the outer wall 242 of the barrel 240, to provide the user with an indication of a selected depth at which the removal of material by the accessory device 200 will be stopped or restricted by the stopping mechanism 260. Once positioned at a desired location along the slot 268, the adjustment knob 262 may be manipulated (e.g., tightened) to set a location of the depth stop 266 within the barrel 240.

[00164] FIG. 3 A is a perspective view of an example accessory device 300, in the form of a cable stripping tool or cable stripping accessory . FIG. 3B is a side view-, illustrating components of a transmission 330 of the example accessory device 300, with a portion of a housing 390 of the example accessory device 300 removed. FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the example transmission 330 shown in FIG. 3B. FIG. 3D is a first perspective view, and FIG. 3E is a second perspective view of an example die portion 380 of the example accessory’ device 300, including an example bushing. In the example arrangement shown in FIG. 3A. an output axis B of the example accessory device 300 is substantially orthogonal to an output axis A of the example pow er tool to w hich the example accessory device is coupled (not shown in FIG. 3A).

[00165] The example accessory device 300 includes a housing 390 in which a transmission 330 is received. The housing 390 may include an attachment portion 392. or collar portion to provide for coupling with a brace assembly, such as with the collar 132 of the example brace assembly 130 described above. The die portion 380 is coupled in a head portion 395 of the housing 390. The die portion 380 includes a barrel 340 defining a bushing receptacle 344 in which a bushing, such as the example bushing 250 described above, or another bushing, is removably couplable. The bushing 250 may be fixed in the bushing receptacle 344 by a lock knob 346. The die portion 380 includes an output gear 382 defined along a peripheral end portion of the die portion 380, opposite an end portion at which the bushing receptacle 344 is formed. An input shaft 335 transmits a rotational force/torque, from the power tool to which the example accessory device 300 is coupled, to the transmission 330. The transmission 330 transmits the rotational force/torque to the die portion 380, via engagement with the output gear 382, for output by the accessory device 300. The transmission 330 reduces an input speed/increases an input torque, received from the power tool to which the example accessory device 300 is coupled, for output by the example accessory' device 300.

[00166] As shown in FIG. 3B, the transmission 330 may include a gear assembly including a pinion gear 331, formed on a distal end portion of the input shaft 335, that engages with an input gear 333, such that the input gear 333 rotates in response to rotation of the input shaft 335. A first spur gear 332 rotates together with the input gear 333. A second spur gear 334 is in meshed engagement with the first spur gear 332, such that the second spur gear 334 rotates in response to rotation of the input shaft 335 and corresponding rotation of the input gear 333 and the first spur gear 332. A pair of idler gears 336 are in meshed engagement between the second spur gear 334 of the transmission 330 and the output gear 382 provided on the die portion 380. The output gear 382, and the die portion 380 on which it is coupled and/or formed, rotate in response to the rotation of the idler gears 336. In the example arrangement shown in FIG. 3A, the head portion 395 includes an open portion, such that the head portion 395 has a C-shaped configuration, simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. The principles described herein are applicable to an arrangement in which the head portion has other configurations, such as, for example, a closed configuration.

[00167] As noted above, the meshed engagement of the output gear 382. coupled on or formed on the die portion 380. with the idler gears 336 drives rotation of the die portion 380, and of the bushing 250 coupled in the bushing receptacle 344 of the barrel 340 of the die portion 380. As a cable is fed into the central opening 258 of the bushing 250, the protective cover, or jacketing, or insulation, is removed from the wire as the bushing 250 rotates and the blade 256 contacts the cable, thus exposing the wire. In some examples, the hollow interior portion defined within the barrel 340 may extend through the die portion 380. Thus, in a first mode of operation, a cable fed into the bushing 250 can extend out through the opposite end portion of the die portion 380, and a length of cable that can be stripped by the example accessory device 300 is not restricted, allowing for longer lengths of cable to be stripped by the accessory device 300. In a second mode of operation, a stopping device may be coupled to the open end portion of the barrel 340, to restrict the length of cable that can be stripped by the accessory device 300.

[00168] The transmission 330 including the pinion gear 331. the input gear 333. the first spur gear 332, the second spur gear 334, and the idler gears 336 in meshed engagement with the output gear 382 on the die portion 380, provide for a reduction in speed/increase in torque, from the speed/torque input at the input shaft 335 to the speed/torque output by the accessory device 300. The coupling of the die portion 380 to the transmission 330 in this manner provides for a change in direction of the output speed/ output torque, from the output axis A of the power tool, to the output axis B of the accessory device 300. This may facilitate access to a workpiece in some work environments, thus enhancing utility and functionality of the accessory device 300, and the power tool to which the accessory device 300 is coupled. Some users may find the orthogonal arrangement of the output axis B of the accessory device 300 facilitates/enhances ease of use of the accessory device 300.

[00169] FIG. 4A is a side view of an example accessory device 400, in the form of a cable stripping tool or cable stripping accessory, coupled to the example power tool 100. The example brace assembly 130 is included in the coupled state shown in FIG. 4A, simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. FIG. 4B is a first perspective view, and FIG. 4C is a second perspective view, of the example accessory device 400, de-coupled from the example power tool 100. In particular, FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the example accessory device 400, illustrating components of a stopping mechanism 460. FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the example accessory device 400, with the stopping mechanism 460 decoupled from the accessory device 400. FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of the example accessory device shown in FIGs. 4A-4C. FIG. 4E is a perspective view of an example transmission of the example accessory device 400.

[00170] In the example arrangement shown in FIG. 4A, the output axis B of the example accessory device 400 is substantially parallel to, and offset from, the output axis A of the example power tool 100. In the example arrangement shown in FIG. 4A, the example brace assembly 130 is coupled between the example power tool 100 and the example accessory device 400. In particular, in the example arrangement shown in FIG. 4A, the collar 132 of the example brace assembly 130 is coupled to an attachment portion 492 of a housing 490 of the example accessory' device 400, with the second end portion 137 of the arm assembly 134 of the example brace assembly 130 coupled to the base portion 198 of the housing 190 of the example power tool 100 via the clamping assembly 140. The principles to be described herein are similarly applicable to accessory devices coupled to an example power tool without the use of the example brace assembly 130.

[00171] The example accessory device 400 includes a housing 490 in which various components of the accessory device 400 are received. The accessory device 400 includes an input shaft 435 that receives a rotary’ input torque from a power tool, such as the example power tool 100, to which the accessory’ device 400 is coupled. For example, the input shaft 435 may be coupled in the tool holder 170 of the example power tool 100 described above, so that a driving force generated by the power tool 100 is transmitted to the accessory device 400 via the input shaft 435. The input shaft 435 drives a transmission 430 received in the housing 490.

[00172] The example accessory device 400 includes a barrel 440 that is driven by the transmission 430. The barrel 440 may include an outer wall 442 defining a hollow interior portion in which an end portion of a cable may be received as the protective cover is removed by the accessory device 400. The barrel 440 includes a bushing receptacle 444 at an end portion thereof, for example, a working end portion thereof. A bushing, such as the example bushing 250 described above, or another bushing, is removably couplable in the bushing receptacle 444 of the barrel 440. The bushing 250 may be fixed in the bushing receptacle 444 by, for example, a bushing lock knob as described above, or another fixing mechanism such that the bushing rotates together with the barrel 440. A bushing may be selectively coupled to the bushing receptacle 444 to provide for cable stripping functionality' of the example accessory’ device 400 for a given diameter, or gauge of wire and/or thickness of protective cover to be removed.

[00173] As shown in FIG. 4E, in this example arrangement, the transmission 430 includes an inline arrangement of planetary’ gear sets. In this example, the transmission 430 includes two stages of planetary gear sets, including a first stage planetary gear set 431, and a second stage planetary gear set 432. simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. Each of the planetary gear sets 431, 432 includes a sun gear and plurality’ of planet gears surrounding and in meshed engagement with the respective sun gear, such that the planet gears rotate in response to rotation of the respective sun gear. In the example arrangement shown in FIG. 4E, the inline arrangement of planetary gear sets are configured to provide a desired level of speed reduction and torque increase, from a speed and torque introduced into the transmission 430 at the input shaft 435, to a speed and torque output to the barrel 440 by the transmission 430. In some examples, a size and/or a number of teeth on the sun gear, planetary gears, and ring gear of each stage of the inline planetary gear sets 431, 432 of the transmission 430 may be selected so as to provide for the desired speed reduction and torque increase.

[00174] The input shaft 435 receives an input force, e.g., a rotary input force, or torque, from the example power tool 100, and transmits that rotary input force to the transmission 430. In this example arrangement, the first and second planetary gear sets 431, 432 rotate in response to rotation of the input shaft 435. A first output gear 434 rotates in response to rotation of the first and second planetary' gear sets 431, 432. An idler gear 436 is in meshed engagement with the first output gear 434 and a second output gear 446, such that the idler gear rotates in response to rotation of the first output gear 434, and the second output gear 446 rotates in response to rotation of the idler gear 436. The second output gear 446 is formed on, or coupled to, for example fixedly coupled to, the outer wall 442 of the barrel 440, such that the barrel 440 rotates together with the second output gear 446. Thus, rotation of the second output gear 446 causes rotation of the barrel, and the bushing coupled thereto. When a cable is inserted into the bushing 250 fixed in the bushing receptacle 444 of the barrel 440, and the bushing 250 rotates as described above, the cable is draw n through the bushing 250, where the blade 256 is positioned to contact the cable, and remove the protective cover from the cable as the bushing 250 rotates, thus exposing the internal wire.

[00175] In some examples, the example accessory device 400 includes a stopping mechanism 460. In this example arrangement, the stopping mechanism 460 includes an adjustment knob 462 including a shank portion 464 that extends through a bracket 468 toward the barrel 440. A depth stop 466 is coupled to a distal end portion of the shank portion 464, and is received in the hollow interior portion of the barrel 440. In this example arrangement, the depth stop 466 is in the form of a cylindrical plate or block positioned within the hollow' interior portion of the barrel 440. In some examples, the shank portion 464 is threadably engaged in the bracket 468, to allow for adjustment of a longitudinal position of the depth stop 466 in the hollow interior portion of the barrel 440 in response to manipulation of the adjustment knob 462 by a user. This allows a user to set a desired length of protective cover to be stripped from a cable, or a depth at w hich the removal of material by the accessory device 400 will be stopped or restricted by the stopping mechanism 460.

[00176] In some examples, the stopping mechanism 460 may be removably coupled to the open end portion of the barrel 440. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the bracket 468 may be coupled to the housing 490 by at least one fastener 469. Thus, in a first mode of operation, with the stopping mechanism 460 may restrict a length of cable inserted into the barrel 440 through the bushing 250. As shown in FIG. 4C, in some examples, the bracket 468 may be decoupled from the housing 490 (for example, by removing the at least one fastener 469) to remove the stopping mechanism 460 (e.g., the bracket 468, the adjustment knob 462 and shank portion 464. and the depth stop 466) from the accessory device 400. In the second mode of operation shown in FIG. 4C, the length of protective cover to be stripped from a cable is no longer restricted by the stopping mechanism 460. This allows the user to remove the protective cover from the cable from as long a length as necessary/desired. The ability to set a desired length of material to be stripped from the cable using the stopping mechanism 460, and to remove material along a longer length of the cable by removing the stopping mechanism 460, enhances flexibility’ in providing multiple functionalities in the single accessory' device 400, thus enhancing utility of the accessory device 400 (and the power tool 100 to which it is coupled).

[00177] FIG. 5 A is a perspective view of an example accessory’ device 500, in the form of a cable stripping tool or cable stripping accessory, coupled to the example power tool 100. The example brace assembly 130 is included in the coupled state shown in FIG. 5A, simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the example accessory device 500, de-coupled from the example power tool 100. FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the example accessory device 500, with a portion of a housing 590 removed, so that components of a transmission 530 of the example accessory’ device 500 are visible. FIG. 5D is a first side view of the example accessory’ device 500, illustrating a first bushing coupling arrangement. FIG. 5E is a second side view, illustrating a second bushing coupling arrangement, with a portion of a housing removed.

[00178] In the example arrangement shown in FIG. 5A, the output axis B of the example accessory’ device 400 is offset from, and substantially orthogonal to, the output axis A of the example power tool 100. In the example arrangement show n in FIG. 5 A, the example brace assembly 130 is coupled between the example power tool 100 and the example accessory device 500. In particular, in the example arrangement shown in FIG. 5A. the collar 132 of the example brace assembly 130 is coupled to an attachment portion 592 of the housing 590 of the example accessory’ device 500, with the second end portion 137 of the arm assembly 134 of the example brace assembly 130 coupled to the base portion 198 of the housing 190 of the example power tool 100 via the clamping assembly 140. The principles to be described herein are similarly applicable to accessory devices coupled to an example power tool without the use of the example brace assembly 130.

[00179] The example accessory device 500 includes the housing 590 in which various components of the accessory device 500 are received. The accessory device 500 includes an input shaft 535 that receives a rotary input torque from a power tool, such as the example power tool 100, to which the accessory' device 500 is coupled. For example, the input shaft 535 may be coupled in the tool holder 170 of the example power tool 100 described above, so that a driving force generated by the power tool 100 is transmitted to the accessory device 500 via the input shaft 535. The input shaft 535 drives a transmission 530 received in the housing 590.

[00180] The example accessory device 500 includes a barrel 540 that is driven by the transmission 530. The barrel 540 may include an outer wall 542 defining a hollow interior portion in which an end portion of a cable may be received as the protective cover is removed by the accessory device 500. In this example arrangement, the barrel 540 includes a first bushing receptacle 544A at a first end portion thereof, and a second bushing receptacle 544B at a second end portion thereof. A bushing, such as the example bushing 250 described above, or another bushing, is removably couplable in the first bushing receptacle 544A or the second bushing receptacle 544B of the barrel 540. The bushing 250 may be fixed in the first bushing receptacle 544A by, for example, a first lock knob 546 A, or another fixing mechanism, as shown in FIG. 5D, such that the bushing 250 rotates together with the barrel 540. Similarly, the bushing may be fixed in the second bushing receptacle 544B by, for example, a second lock knob 546B, as shown in FIG. 5E, or another fixing mechanism, such that the bushing 250 rotates together with the barrel 540. A bushing may be selectively coupled to the first bushing receptacle 544A or the second bushing receptacle 544B to provide for cable stripping functionality of the example accessory device 500 for a given diameter, or gauge of wire and/or thickness of the protective cover to be removed. In this example arrangement, a cable may be fed into the accessory device 500 from either the first end portion of the barrel 540, or the second end portion of the barrel 540, to strip the protective cover from the cable. This may provide flexibility and enhanced utility', making the accessory' device 500 adaptable to different working/installation environments, and accommodating both left and right hand use of the accessory device 500.

[00181] In some examples, a stopping mechanism 600 may be removably coupled to an end portion of the barrel 540, for example, one in one of the first bushing receptacle 544A or the second bushing receptacle 544B (e.g., an end portion of the barrel 540 opposite an end to which the bushing 250 is coupled). More detailed description of the stopping mechanism 600 will be provided with respect to FIGs. 6A-6C(2). The stopping mechanism 600 may restrict or limit a length of cable from which the protective cover is to be removed. In some examples, the length of cable from which the protective cover is to be removed is selectable by a user of the accessory device 500. In some examples, the accessory device 500 may be operated without the stopping mechanism 600, so that the length of material to be stripped from a cable is no longer restricted by the stopping mechanism 600. This allows the user to remove the protective cover from the cable from as long a length as necessary/desired. The ability to set a desired length of material to be stripped from the cable using the stopping mechanism 600, and to remove material along a longer length of the cable by removing the stopping mechanism 600, enhances flexibility in providing multiple functionalities in the single accessory device 500. thus enhancing utility of the accessory device 500 (and the power tool 100 to which it is coupled).

[00182] As shown in FIG. 5C, in this example arrangement, the transmission 530 includes a worm gear 532 that rotates together with the input shaft 535. In some examples, one or more bearings 531 support the mounting of the worm gear 532. An output gear, in the form of a worm wheel 534 is mounted on. and fixed to the barrel 540. In some examples, one or more bearings 533 support the mounting of the worm wheel 534 on the barrel 540. The worm wheel 534 is in meshed engagement, such that the worm wheel 534 rotates in response to rotation of the worm gear 532 (and rotation of the input shaft 535). As the worm wheel 534 is fixed on the barrel 540, the barrel 540 rotates together with the worm wheel 534. The bushing 250, fixed to one of the first bushing receptacle 544A or the second bushing receptacle 544B, rotates together with the barrel 540. The worm gear 532 and worm wheel 534 are configured to provide a desired level of speed reduction and torque increase, from a speed and torque introduced into the transmission 530 at the input shaft 535, to a speed and torque output to the barrel 540 by the transmission 530. In some examples, a size and/or a number of teeth on the worm gear 532 and the worm wheel 534 may be selected so as to provide for the desired speed reduction and torque increase.

[00183] The input shaft 535 receives an input force, e.g., a rotary input force, or torque, from the example power tool 100, and transmits that rotary input force to the transmission 530. In this example arrangement, the worm gear 532 rotates together with the input shaft 535, and the worm wheel 534 rotates in response to rotation of the worm gear 532. Rotation of worm wheel 534 causes rotation of the barrel 540, and the bushing 250 coupled thereto. When a cable is inserted into the bushing 250 fixed in the first bushing receptacle 544A or the second bushing receptacle 544B of the barrel 540, and the bushing 250 rotates as described above, the cable is drawn through the bushing 250, where the blade 256 is positioned to contact the cable, and remove the protective cover from the cable as the bushing 250 rotates, thus exposing the internal wire.

[00184] In some examples, the stopping mechanism 600 may be selectively coupled to the accessory device 500. The stopping mechanism 600 may be removably coupled to the accessory device 500, for example, to the barrel 540, at one of the first bushing receptacle 544A or the second bushing receptacle 544B.

[00185] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the example stopping mechanism 600. FIG. 6B(1) illustrates the example stopping mechanism 600 coupled to the example accessory device 500, with the stopping mechanism 600 in a first state corresponding to a maximum stopping depth, and to a maximum length of cable to be stripped during operation of the accessory device. FIG. 6B(2) is a cross-sectional view of the example stopping mechanism 600 in the first state. FIG. 6C(1) illustrates the example stopping mechanism 600 coupled to the example accessory device 500, with the stopping mechanism 600 in a second state corresponding to a minimum stopping depth, and to a minimum length of cable to be stripped during operation of the accessory device. FIG. 6C(2) is a cross-sectional view of the example stopping mechanism 600 in the second state. The example stopping mechanism 600 is shown coupled to the example accessory device 500 simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. The example stopping mechanism 600 can be selectively coupled to other accessory devices shown herein.

[00186] As shown in FIGs. 6A-6C(2), the example stopping mechanism 600 is selectively couplable to the barrel 540 of the example accessory' device 500, at an end portion of the barrel 540 that is opposite the bushing 250. The example stopping mechanism 600 includes an adjustment device 620 received in a housing 690. The adjustment device 620 includes an adjustment knob 622, and a shank portion 624 having a proximal end portion coupled to the adjustment knob 622. The shank portion 624 extends from the adjustment knob 622 into the housing 690, and is slidably received in the housing 690. A distal end portion of the shank portion 624 defines a depth stop 626 within the barrel 540 of the accessory device 500, based on a position of the distal end portion of the shank portion 624 in the barrel 540. In some examples, index marks, or indicia may be provided on the stopping mechanism 600, for example, on an outer surface of the shank portion 624, to provide the user an indication of a position of the depth stop 626 in the barrel 540 to set an amount of protective cover to be stripped from a cable.

[00187] In the example arrangement shown in FIGs. 6B(1)-6C(2), the bushing 250 is coupled in the first bushing receptacle 544A, and the stopping mechanism 600 is coupled in the second bushing receptacle 544B. simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. In this example arrangement, the first lock knob 546A secures the bushing 250 in the first bushing receptacle 544A, and the second lock knob 546B secures the housing 690 of the stopping mechanism 600 in the second bushing receptacle 544B. In operation, a user may manipulate the adjustment knob 622 to adjust, for example, slidably adjust, a position of the depth stop 626 in the barrel 540. The user may manipulate a locking mechanism 650 to secure a desired position of the depth stop 626 in the barrel 540. The locking mechanism 650 includes a pin 655 that extends through an opening 695 in the housing 690, to selectively contact the shank portion 624. In some examples, the pin 655 is threadably engaged in a bodyportion 652 of the locking mechanism 650, so that a position of the pin 655, and engagement of the pin 655 with the shank portion 624, is positively maintained to, in turn, maintain a position of the depth stop 626 in the barrel 540 of the accessory' device 500. In some examples, the shank portion 624 may include a toothed surface or other similar feature to facilitate engagement and/or locking of the shank portion 624 with the pin 655.

[00188] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an example accessory' device 700, in the form of a cable stripping tool or cable stripping accessory, coupled to the example power tool 100. The example brace assembly 130 is included in the coupled state shown in FIG. 7A, simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the example accessory- device 700, de-coupled from the example power tool 100. FIG. 7C is a perspective view of an example transmission 730 of the example accessory device 700.

[00189] In the example arrangement shown in FIG. 7A, the output axis B of the example accessory device 700 is substantially orthogonal to the output axis A of the example power tool 100. In the example arrangement shown in FIG. 7A. the example brace assembly 130 is coupled between the example power tool 100 and the example accessory- device 700. In particular, in the example arrangement shown in FIG. 7 A, the collar 132 of the example brace assembly 130 is coupled to an attachment portion 792, or collar portion of a housing 790 of the example accessory device 700, with the second end portion 137 of the arm assembly 134 of the example brace assembly 130 coupled to the base portion 198 of the housing 190 of the example pow er tool 100 via the clamping assembly 140. The principles to be described herein are similarly applicable to accessory- devices coupled to an example power tool without the use of the example brace assembly- 130.

[00190] The example accessory device 700 includes the housing 790 in which various components of the accessory- device 700 are received. The accessory device 700 includes an input shaft 735 that receives a rotary input torque from a power tool, such as the example power tool 100, to which the accessory device 700 is coupled. For example, the input shaft 735 may be coupled in the tool holder 170 of the example power tool 100 described above, so that a driving force generated by the power tool 100 is transmitted to the accessory device 700 via the input shaft 735. The input shaft 735 drives a transmission 730 received in the housing 790.

[00191] The example accessory device 700 includes a barrel 740 that is driven by the transmission 730. The barrel 740 may include an outer wall 742 defining a hollow interior portion in which an end portion of a cable may be received as the protective cover is removed by the accessory device 700. In this example arrangement, the barrel 740 includes a first bushing receptacle 744A at a first end portion thereof, and a second bushing receptacle 744B at a second end portion thereof. A bushing, such as the example bushing 250 described above, or another bushing, is removably couplable in the first bushing receptacle 744A or the second bushing receptacle 744B of the barrel 740. The bushing 250 may be fixed in the first bushing receptacle 744A by, for example, a first lock knob 746A, or another fixing mechanism, such that the bushing 250 rotates together with the barrel 740. Similarly, the bushing 250 may be fixed in the second bushing receptacle 744B by, for example, a second lock knob 746B, such that the bushing 250 rotates together with the barrel 740. A bushing may be selectively coupled to the first bushing receptacle 744A or the second bushing receptacle 744B to provide for cable stripping functionality of the example accessory device 700 for a given diameter, or gauge of wire and/or thickness of protective cover to be removed. In this example arrangement, a cable may be fed into the accessory' device 700 from either the first end portion of the barrel 740, or the second end portion of the barrel 740, to strip the protective cover, or insulation, or other material from the cable. This may provide flexibility and enhanced utility, making the accessory device 700 adaptable to different working/installation environments, and accommodating both left and right hand use of the accessory' device 700.

[00192] In some examples, a stopping mechanism, such as the example stopping mechanism 600 described above, may be removably coupled to an end portion of the barrel 740, for example, one in one of the first bushing receptacle 744A or the second bushing receptacle 744B (e.g., an end portion of the barrel 740 opposite an end to which the bushing 250 is coupled). In a first mode, coupling of the stopping mechanism 600 to an end portion of the barrel 740 opposite the bushing 250 may restrict or limit a length of protective cover to be removed from a cable. In a second mode, the accessory device 700 may be operated without the stopping mechanism 600, so that the length of protective cover to be stripped from a cable is no longer restricted by the stopping mechanism 600. This allows the user to remove the protective cover from the cable from as long a length as necessary/desired. The ability to set a desired length of material to be stripped from the cable using the stopping mechanism 600, and to remove material along a longer length of the cable by removing the stopping mechanism 600, enhances flexibility in providing multiple functionalities in the single accessory device 700, thus enhancing utility of the accessory device 700 (and the power tool 100 to which it is coupled).

[00193] As shown in FIG. 7C, in this example arrangement, the transmission 730 includes an inline arrangement of planetary gear sets. In this example, the transmission 730 includes two stages of planetary gear sets, including a first stage planetary gear set 731, and a second stage planetary gear set 732, simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. Each of the planetary gear sets 731, 732 includes a sun gear and a plurality of planet gears surrounding and in meshed engagement with the respective sun gear, such that the planet gears rotate in response to rotation of the respective sun gear. In the example arrangement shown in FIG. 7C. the inline arrangement of planetary gear sets are configured to provide a desired level of speed reduction and torque increase, from a speed and torque introduced into the transmission 730 at the input shaft 735, to a speed and torque output to the barrel 740 by the transmission 730. In some examples, a size and/or a number of teeth on the sun gear, planetary gears, and ring gear of each stage of the inline planetary gear sets 731, 732 of the transmission 730 may be selected so as to provide for the desired speed reduction and torque increase.

[00194] The input shaft 735 receives an input force, e.g., a rotary input force, or torque, from the example power tool 100, and transmits that rotary input force to the transmission 730. In this example arrangement, the respective sun gears of the first and second planetary gear sets 731, 732 rotate together with the input shaft 735. An input bevel gear 734 rotates in response to rotation of the second planetary⁷ gear set 732. An output bevel gear 736. in meshed engagement with the input bevel gear 734, rotates in response to rotation of the input bevel gear 734. The output bevel gear 736 is mounted on, and fixed to. the barrel 740, such that the barrel 740 rotates together with the output bevel gear 736, causing rotation of the bushing 250 coupled to the barrel 740. When a cable is inserted into the bushing 250 fixed in one of the first bushing receptacle 744A or the second bushing receptacle 744B of the barrel 740, and the bushing 250 rotates as described above, the cable is drawn through the bushing 250, where the blade 256 is positioned to contact the cable, and remove the protective cover from the cable as the bushing 250 rotates, thus exposing the internal wire.

[00195] As noted above, the bushing 250 may be coupled to one of the first bushing receptacle 744A or the second bushing receptacle 744B, and the stopping mechanism 600 may be coupled to the other of the first bushing receptacle 744A or the second bushing receptacle 744B. With the stopping mechanism 600 coupled to the accessory device 700, a desired length of material to be stripped from a cable inserted into the accessory device 700 may be set by a user, and restricted or limited by the stopping mechanism 600. In some examples, the accessory device 700 may be operated without the stopping mechanism 600, so that the length of protective cover to be stripped from a cable is no longer restricted by the stopping mechanism 600.

[00196] In some situations, tools for removing protective covers from cables (dedicated/specialized manual tools and/or dedicated/specialized power-driven tools and/or accessory' devices for use with a power-driven tool as described above) make use of sets of bushings to provide for the stripping of various, differently configured cables, e.g., cables having different wire diameters, insulation thicknesses and the like. These sets of bushings may include numerous different individual bushings having different diameters, different cutting depths, and the like, to accommodate a wide variety of different cables. These individual bushings may be selectively coupled to the cable stripping tool, to provide for the removal of protective covers from a particular cable. While this may provide a solution to the need to provide for the stripping of cables having different wire diameters, insulation depths, and the like, it may be difficult to identify the correct bushing to be used for a particular cable, and/or it may be cumbersome to always ensure the set of bushings is on hand and/or it may be costly to acquire such a set of bushings. In some examples, adjustable or adaptable bushings that can accommodate a plurality of differently configured cables may reduce a number of bushings relied upon to provide for the stripping of protective covers from the plurality of differently configured cables. This may provide for the stripping of protective covers from the plurality of differently configured cables with a reduced amount of equipment always on hand, thus improving the user experience, and at a reduced cost.

[00197] FIGs. 8A-8G illustrate an example bushing 800 that can accommodate a plurality of differently configured cables (e.g., different wire diameters, different protective cover thicknesses, and the like), and provide for the stripping of the protective cover from the plurality of differently configured cables. The example bushing 800 can be coupled to a dedicated manual or power-driven cable stripping tool, and/or to an accessory device, such as one of the accessory devices described herein, for the removal of the protective cover from a plurality of differently configured cables. In particular, FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the example bushing 800. FIG. 8B is a side view of the example bushing 800 shown in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C is an axial end view of the example bushing 800, in a first state. The first state may represent a neutral state, in which a cable is not received in the example bushing 800. FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view of the example bushing 800, in the first state shown in FIG. 8C. FIG. 8E is an axial end view of the example bushing 800, in a second state, in which a first cable is inserted in the example bushing 800. FIG. 8F is a cross-sectional view of the example bushing 800, in the second state shown in FIG. 8E. FIG. 8G is an axial end view of the example bushing 800, in a third state, in which a second cable, having a different diameter than that of the first cable, is inserted in the example bushing 800. FIG. 8H is a cross- sectional view of the example bushing 800, in the third state shown in FIG. 8G.

[00198] The example bushing 800 includes a guide body 810, a cutting body 820, and a coupling body 830 that are coupled, for example, fixedly coupled, such that the guide body 810, the cutting body 820, and the coupling body 830 rotate together. The guide body 810 guides a cable into the bushing 800. The cutting body 820 strips the insulation from the cable inserted into the bushing 800. The coupling body 830 removably couples the bushing 800 to a cable stripping tool.

[00199] A first coupling portion 832 of the coupling body 830 is couplable in a bushing receptacle of a barrel of a cable stripping tool. In some examples, the coupling body 830 includes a first coupling portion 832 that provides for coupling of the bushing 800 to the barrel of a dedicated cable stripping tool (not explicitly shown herein). In some examples, the first coupling portion 832 provides for the coupling of the bushing 800 to an accessory⁷ device, for example, to the bushing receptacle of the barrel of one of the accessory devices described above. The cutting body 820 is coupled to a second coupling portion 834 of the coupling body 830. The cutting body 820 includes a frame 822 having a plurality⁷ of slots 824 formed therein. A blade 826 can be selectively coupled in one of a plurality⁷ of openings 828, so as to extend into a central portion of the cutting body 820 and contact a cable passing therethrough. In this example arrangement, the frame 822 includes four slots 824, with two openings 828 formed at each slot 824. simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. In some examples, the openings 828 are positioned so as to provide for variation in, or adjustment of, a depth to which the blade 826 extends into the central portion of the frame 822, to provide for adjustment of a cutting depth of the blade 826 into the protective cover surrounding a wire of a cable to be stripped.

[00200] The guide body 810 includes housing 819 defining a structure of the guide body 810. A plurality of adjustment jaws 812 are movably mounted in the housing 819. Each of the plurality of adjustment jaws 812 has an elongated, rod-type configuration, extending longitudinally into the housing 819, substantially in parallel to each other. Each of the plurality of adjustment jaws 812 has a tapered, or chamfered front end portion, to facilitate the insertion of a cable into the bushing 800 through the guide body 810. The plurality of adjustment jaws 812 are radially biased by a plurality of biasing members 814, or springs. In this example arrangement, each of the biasing members 814 is mounted on a corresponding pin 815, within recesses 813 formed in the adjustment jaws 812. FIGs. 8C and 8D illustrate a first state, for example, an at rest state of the components of the guide body 810. In this first state, a cable has not yet been inserted into the guide body 810, and the plurality of biasing members 814 bias the plurality of adjustment jaws 812 radially inward, in the direction of the arrows Rl.

[00201] As a cable is inserted into the guide body 810, the tapered leading front end portions of the plurality of adjustment jaws 812 guide insertion of the cable into the bushing 800. As the cable nears the end of the tapered portions of the plurality of adjustment jaws 812, and is inserted into a receiving space 817 defined within the housing 819 (and at a central area relative to the arrangement of the plurality of adjustment jaws 812), the cable exerts a force on the plurality of adjustment jaws 812, pushing the plurality of adjustment jaws 812 apart to accommodate the insertion of the cable into the bushing 800. In particular, insertion of the cable exerts a force on the plurality of adjustment jaws 812 that pushes the plurality of adjustment jaws 812 radially outward, in the direction of the arrows R2.

[00202] In particular, FIGs. 8E and 8F illustrate insertion of a first cable 840, having an overall diameter Dll, with a wire diameter DI and a protective cover thickness tl. In this first state, the plurality of adjustment jaws 812 have moved radially outward in the direction of the arrows R2 by a first distance in response to the insertion of the first cable 840 into the bushing 800 as described above. FIGs. 8G and 8H illustrate insertion of a second cable 850, having an overall diameter D22 that is greater than the overall diameter Dll of the first cable 840, with a wire diameter D2 and a protective cover thickness t2. In this second state, the plurality of adjustment jaws 812 have moved radially outward in the direction of the arrows R2 by a second distance in response to the insertion of the second cable 850 into the bushing 800 as described above. In this example arrangement, radial movement of the plurality of adjustment jaws 812 by the second radial distance is greater than the movement of the plurality of adjustment jaws 812 by the first radial distance, to accommodate the greater overall diameter D22 of the second cable 850. In this example arrangement, the biasing force exerted on the plurality of adjustment jaws 812 by the of the plurality of biasing members 814 in the direction of the arrows R1 may maintain an alignment of the cables 840. 850 as they move through the guide body 810, and into the cutting body 820 for the stripping of the protective cover from the cables 840, 850. As shown in FIGs. 8E-8H, the arrangement of the plurality' of adjustment jaws 812 of the example bushing 800 provides an axially aligned, or coaxial positioning of the cable in the example bushing 800.

[00203] In some examples, the blade 826 is coupled to one of the plurality of openings 828 formed in the cutting body 820, based on characteristics of the cable from which the protective cover is to be stripped. That is, each of the plurality of openings 828 may be positioned relative to the respective slot of the plurality of slots 824 to provide removal of a particular thickness of the protective cover from a cable having a particular overall diameter and/or a particular wire diameter. In the example arrangement shown in FIGs. 8A-8F, the blade 826 can be positioned at eight different offset distances from the center of the cutting body 820, in the eight different openings 828 formed in the frame 822, simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. Characteristics of the example bushing 800 can be varied, including, for example, diameters of the plurality of adjustment jaws 812, a number of slots 824 formed in the frame 822 of the cutting body 820 (and corresponding number of openings 828), positioning of the openings 828, and the like. In this manner, the example bushing 800 can accommodate cables having a range of overall diameters and remove the protective cover having a range of thicknesses. The example bushing 800 can be coupled to various different cable stripping tools including, for example, a dedicated manual or power-driven cable stripping tool, one of the cable stripping accessory' devices described above, and other such cable stripping tools.

[00204] FIGs. 9A-9E illustrate an example bushing assembly’ 900 that can accommodate a plurality of differently configured cables (e.g., different wire diameters, different insulation thicknesses, and the like), and provide for the stripping of the protective cover from the plurality' of differently configured cables. The example bushing assembly 900 can be coupled to a dedicated manual or power-driven cable stripping tool, and/or to an accessory' device, such as one of the accessory devices described herein, for the removal of the protective cover from a plurality of differently’ configured cables.

[00205] In particular, FIG. 9A is a perspective view' of the example bushing assembly 900. FIG. 9B is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of example adapters 910 that are selectively couplable to a bushing body 920 of the example bushing assembly 900.

[00206] As shown in FIG. 9A, the bushing assembly 900 includes an example adapter 910 that is removably couplable in a bushing body 920. The bushing body 920 includes a coupling portion 924 that is received in a bushing receptacle of a barrel of a cable stripping tool. In some examples, the coupling portion 924 provides for the coupling of the example bushing assembly 900 to the barrel of a dedicated cable stripping tool (not explicitly shown herein). In some examples, the coupling portion 924 provides for the coupling of the example bushing assembly 900 to an accessory device, for example, to the bushing receptacle of the barrel of one of the accessory devices described above. As shown in FIG. 9B, a plurality of different adapters 910 can be removably coupled to the bushing body 920, to provide for the stripping of the protective cover from a cable inserted into the bushing assembly 900. FIG. 9B illustrates four example adapters 910 (e.g.. a first adapter 910A, a second adapter 910B, a third adapter 910C, and a fourth adapter 910D), simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. More adapters, and/or combinations of differently configured adapters, can be provided in a set of adapters for use with the bushing body 920, to provide for the stripping of the protective cover from different sizes and/or configurations of cables. A user may select an adapter 910, for example, from a set of adapters available for coupling to the bushing body 920, based on a configuration of a cable 950, for example, a particular overall cable diameter and/or insulation thickness and/or gauge of wire, to be inserted into the bushing assembly 900 for stripping of the protective cover.

[00207] Each adapter 910 may include a flange portion 915, and a guide portion 917 extending from the flange portion 915, for example, substantially orthogonally from the flange portion 915. The example adapter 910 may be coupled by a fastener 916 (not shown in FIGs. 9A and 9B; see FIGs. 9D and 9E) extending through one of a first opening 911 or a second opening 912 in the flange portion 915 of the adapter 910, and into a corresponding first opening 921 or second opening 922 in the bushing body 920. In a coupled state of the adapter 910 and the bushing body 920, the guide portion 917 is positioned in a central portion of the bushing body 920. Athird opening 913 is formed in the flange portion 915. The third opening 913 may be aligned with the guide portion 917 so that, in a coupled state of the adapter 910 and the bushing body 920, the cable 950 can be inserted through the third opening 913 into the guide portion 917, to position the cable 950 at an appropriate position relative to a blade 926 in the bushing body 920 for the stripping of the protective cover from the cable 950.

[00208] FIG. 9C is an axial end view of the example bushing body 920. FIG. 9D illustrates a first coupled state, and FIG. 9E illustrates a second coupled state, of one of the example adapters 910 to the example bushing body 920. As show n in FIGs. 9D and 9E, the third opening 913 in the adapter 910 (and the corresponding guide portion 917) is an eccentric opening relative to the flange portion 915 of the adapter 910. That is, a central axis X’ of the third opening 913 in the adapter 910 (through which the cable 950 is inserted) is offset from a central axis X of the bushing body 920, and the bushing assembly 900. In some examples, the third opening 913 is sized, and positioned, for example, eccentrically positioned, so that a cable of a corresponding size extending therethrough will contact the blade 926 in the bushing body 920, to provide for the removal of the protective cover from the cable. In this example arrangement, the blade 926 may remain in the installed position in the bushing body 920, and the adapter 910 selected for a particular cable provides for the proper positioning of the cable relative to the blade 926, so that the blade 926 contacts the cable to remove the protective cover from the cable.

[00209] In some examples, the coupling of the adapter 910 to the bushing body 920 may be adjusted to provide for fine adjustment of a positioning of the guide portion 917 of the adapter 910 relative to the blade 926, to allow for slight variation in thickness of the protective cover to be removed from a particular cable. In the first coupled state shown in FIG. 9D. the fastener 916 extends through the first opening 911 in the adapter 910 and into the first opening 921 in the bushing body 920 to couple the adapter 910 to the bushing body 920. The first coupled state may provide for removal of a minimum thickness of the protective cover by the particular adapter 910 coupled to the bushing body 920. In the second coupled state shown in FIG. 9E. the fastener 916 extends through the second opening 912 in the adapter 910 and into the second opening 922 in the bushing body 920 to couple the adapter 910 to the bushing body 920. The second coupled state may provide for removal of a maximum thickness of insulation material by the particular adapter 910 coupled to the bushing body 920.

[00210] The offset, or eccentric positioning of the third opening 913 (and corresponding position of the guide portion 917) of the adapter 910 provides for alignment of the cable with the blade 926. In this arrangement, the alignment of the cable with the blade 926 is achieved without movement of the blade 926 to a different position within the bushing body 920. Thus, the example bushing assembly 900 including the plurality of adapters 910 that are selectively couplable to the bushing body 920, based on a configuration of a particular cable from which the protective cover is to be stripped as described above, provides an efficient, cost effective, and relatively compact solution to removing the protective cover from a variety of different configurations of cable with a single cable stripping tool. The example bushing assembly 900 can be coupled to various different cable stripping tools including, for example, a dedicated manual or power-driven cable stripping tool, one of the cable stripping accessory’ devices described above, and other such cable stripping tools.

[00211] FIGs. 10A-10E illustrate an example bushing 1000 that can accommodate a plurality⁷ of differently configured cables (e.g., different wire diameters, different protective cover thicknesses, and the like), and provide for the stripping of material, for example, insulation material, from the plurality of differently configured cables. The example bushing 1000 can be coupled to a dedicated manual or power-driven cable stripping tool, and/or to an accessory' device, such as one of the accessory’ devices described herein, for the removal of material, for example insulation material, from a plurality of differently configured cables.

[00212] In particular, FIG. 10A is a first perspective view, and FIG. 10B is a second perspective view, of the example bushing 1000. FIG. 10C is an exploded perspective view of the example bushing 1000. FIG. 10D is an axial end view of the example bushing 1000 in a first state, in which a first cable having a first configuration (e.g., a first overall diameter and/or a first wire diameter and/or a first protective cover thickness) is inserted in the bushing 1000. FIG. 10E is an axial end view of the example bushing 1000 in a second state, in which a second cable having a second configuration (e.g., a second overall diameter and/or a second wire diameter and/or a second protective cover thickness) is inserted in the bushing 1000.

[00213] The example bushing 1000 includes a bushing body 1020 having a coupling portion 1022 that is received in a bushing receptacle of a barrel of a cable stripping tool. In some examples, the coupling portion 1022 provides for the coupling of the example bushing 1000 to the barrel of a dedicated cable stripping tool (not explicitly shown herein). In some examples, the coupling portion 1022 provides for the coupling of the example bushing 1000 to an accessory device, for example, to the bushing receptacle of the barrel of one of the accessory' devices described above. A cable carriage 1010 is movably coupled to the bushing body 1020, such that a receiving space 1030 is formed therebetween. A cable may be inserted into the receiving space 1030, and positioned relative to a blade 1026 coupled in the bushing body 1020. to provide for the removal of the protective cover from the cable, based on a position of the cable camage 1010 relative to the bushing body 1020.

[00214] In the example arrangement shown in FIGs. 10A-10E, an adjuster, e.g., in the form of an adjustment rod 1012, extends through an opening 1028 in the bushing body 1020, and into an opening 1018 in the cable carriage 1010. In some examples, the adjustment rod 1012 is in the form of a bolt that is threadably engaged in the opening 1028 in the bushing body 1020 and the opening 1018 in the cable carriage 1010, to provide for positive positioning of the cable carriage 1010 relative to the bushing body 1020 in response to manipulation of the adjustment rod 1012. In the example arrangement shown in FIGs. 10A- 10E, a guide rod 1014 has a first portion 1014A fixed to the bushing body 1020, and a second portion 1014B received in a recess 1016 formed in the cable carriage 1010. In some examples, the first portion 1014A is threadably engaged in an opening 1015 formed in the bushing body 1020 to fix the guide rod 1014 to the bushing body 1020. and to fix a position of the cable carriage 1010 relative to the bushing body 1020 in response to manipulation of the adjustment rod 1012. The second portion 1014B of the guide rod 1014 received in the recess 1016 of the cable carriage 1010 maintains alignment of the cable carriage 1010 relative to the bushing body 1020 as the cable carriage 1010 moves in response to manipulation of the adjustment rod 1012. For example, the guide rod 1014 may prevent rotation of the cable carriage 1010 as the cable carriage 1010 is moved relative to the bushing body 1020.

[00215] FIG. 10D is an axial end view of the example bushing 1000, illustrating an example first cable 1040 inserted in the receiving space 1030 defined between the cable carriage 1010 and the bushing body 1020. The example first cable 1040 has an overall diameter Dll, with a wire diameter DI and an insulation thickness tl. In this first state, the cable carriage 1010 is positioned at a first distance from the bushing body 1020, to accommodate the overall diameter Dll of the example first cable 1040, and to position the example first cable 1040 relative to the blade 1026 to provide for the removal of the insulation material from the first cable 1040. FIG. 10E is an axial end view of the example bushing 1000, illustrating an example second cable 1050 inserted in the receiving space 1030 defined between the cable carriage 1010 and the bushing body 1020. The example second cable 1050 has an overall diameter D22, with a wire diameter D2 and a protective cover thickness t2. In this second state, the cable carriage 1010 is positioned at a second distance from the bushing body 1020, to accommodate the overall diameter D22 of the example second cable 1050, and to position the example second cable 1050 relative to the blade 1026 to provide for the removal of the protective cover from the second cable 1050.

[00216] In the example arrangement shown in FIG. 10E, manipulation of the adjustment rod 1012, for example, rotation of the adjustment rod 1012. draws the cable carriage 1010 upward (in the example orientation shown in FIGs. 10D and 10E), in the direction of the arrow E, toward the bushing body 1020 to adjust a size of the receiving space 1030 formed between the cable carriage 1010 and the bushing body 1020. An opposite manipulation of the adjustment rod 1012, e.g.. rotation in the opposite direction, would draw the cable camage 1010 away from the bushing body 1020, to accommodate a cable having a greater overall diameter. The adjustment provided in response to manipulation of the adjustment rod 1012 in this manner allows the bushing 1000 to be easily adjusted to receive and properly position a plurality of differently configured cables relative to the blade 1026, without removal of the blade 1026, to provide for the stripping of the protective cover from the cable.

[00217] The example arrangement shown in FIG. 10D may represent a substantially maximum distance between the cable carriage 1010 and the bushing body 1020, corresponding to a substantially maximum receiving space 1030 corresponding to a maximum overall diameter of a cable to be received therein and stripped by the example blade 1026. In this example arrangement, a central axis X’ of the of the receiving space 1030, and a corresponding central axis of the example first cable 1040 received therein, corresponds to, or is substantially coincident with, a central axis X of the example bushing 1000. The example arrangement shown in FIG. 10E may represent a substantially minimum distance between the cable carriage 1010 and the bushing body 1020, corresponding to a substantially minimum receiving space 1030 corresponding to a minimum overall diameter of a cable to be received therein and stripped by the example blade 1026. In this example arrangement, a central axis X’ of the of the receiving space 1030, and a central axis of the example second cable 1050 received therein, is offset from, or eccentric to, a central axis X of the example bushing 1000 about which the example bushing 1000 will rotate.

[00218] This eccentric positioning of the receiving space 1030/cable received therein allows the blade 1026 to establish and maintain contact with the cable, based on a position of the cable carriage 1010 relative to the bushing body 1020. As the bushing 1000 rotates about the central axis X, with the cable received in the receiving space 1030, the protective cover is stripped from the cable, even when the cable is offset from/eccentrically positioned relative to the axis of rotation of the bushing 1000. Thus, the example bushing 1000 including the adjustable cable carriage 1010 provides for the stripping of insulation material from a plurality of differently configured cables with a single bushing. This provides an efficient, cost effective, and relatively compact solution to removing the protective cover from a variety of different configurations of cable with a single cable stripping tool. The example bushing 1000 can be coupled to various different cable stripping tools including, for example, a dedicated manual or power-driven cable stripping tool, one of the cable stripping accessory' devices described above, and other such cable stripping tools.

[00219] FIGs. 11A-11H illustrate an example bushing 1100 that can accommodate a plurality of differently configured cables (e.g., different wire diameters, different protective cover thicknesses, and the like), and provide for the stripping of the protective cover from the plurality of differently configured cables. The example bushing 1100 can be coupled to a dedicated manual or power-driven cable stripping tool, and/or to an accessory device, such as one of the accessory devices described herein, for the removal of material, for example insulation material, from a plurality⁷ of differently configured cables.

[00220] In particular, FIG. HAis a first perspective view, and FIG. 1 IB is a second perspective view, of the example bushing 1100. FIG. 11C is an exploded perspective view of the example bushing 1100. FIG. 1 ID is a cross-sectional perspective view of the example bushing 1100 shown in FIGs. 11A-11C. FIG. HE is a side view of the example bushing 1100, with a sleeve portion of the example bushing 1100 in an at rest state. FIG. 1 IF is a side view of the example bushing 1100, with the sleeve portion in a retracted state. FIG. 11G is an axial end view of the example bushing 1000, with an aperture plate removed, illustrating the example bushing 1100 configured to receive a first cable having a first configuration (e.g., a first overall diameter and/or a first wire diameter and/or a first protective cover thickness). FIG. 11H is an axial end view of the example bushing 1000, with the aperture plate removed, illustrating the example bushing 1100 configured to receive a second cable having a second configuration (e g., a second overall diameter and/or a second wire diameter and/or a second protective cover thickness).

[00221] The example bushing 1100 includes a stem portion 1110 having a coupling portion 1112 and a flange portion 1114. The coupling portion 1112 is received in a bushing receptacle of a barrel of a cable stripping tool. In some examples, the coupling portion 1112 provides for the coupling of the example bushing 1100 to the barrel of a dedicated cable stripping tool (not explicitly shown herein). In some examples, the coupling portion 1112 provides for the coupling of the example bushing 1100 to an accessory device, for example, to the bushing receptacle of the barrel of one of the accessory devices described above.

[00222] The flange portion 1114 of the stem portion 1110 is coupled to a corresponding end portion (a rear end portion in the example orientation show n in FIGs. 11A- 1 IF) of a bushing body 1150. A blade carriage 1170 is movably coupled to the bushing body 1150. In this example arrangement, pins 1172 on blade carriage 1170 are movably received in corresponding recesses 1152 formed in the bushing body 1150 to movably couple the blade carriage 1170 to the bushing body 1150. The blade carriage 1170 carries a blade 1176 to provide for the stripping of a protective cover from a cable inserted into the bushing 1100. Roller assemblies 1160 are coupled in corresponding openings 1156 in the bushing body 1150. In the example arrangement shown in FIG. 11 C, the example bushing 1100 includes two roller assemblies 1160. The stem portion 1110 coupled to the end portion of the bushing body 1150. with a biasing member 1115 positioned between the flange portion 1114 of the stem portion 1110 and a corresponding surface of the bushing body 1150. A sleeve 1120 defined by an outer cylindrical wall is fitted over the assembled bushing body 1150, roller assemblies 1160, blade carriage 1170, and biasing member 1115, with the coupling portion 1112 of the stem portion 1110 extending outward to provide for coupling of the bushing 1100 to a bushing receptable of a cable stripping tool.

[00223] An adjuster, e.g., in the form of an aperture collar 1130, is positioned at an end portion of the sleeve 1120, opposite the stem portion 1110. The aperture collar 1130 includes a plate portion 1132 and a rim portion 1133 extending along a periphery' of the plate portion 1132. with a plurality’ of teeth 1134 formed on an outer circumferential surface of the rim portion 1133. The plurality of teeth 1134 selectively engage a corresponding plurality of teeth 1124 formed on a circumferential edge portion of the sleeve 1120. An aperture cover 1140 is coupled on the aperture collar 1130, corresponding to the plate portion 1132 of the aperture collar 1130. A plurality of slots 1135 are formed in the plate portion 1132 of the aperture collar 1130. In this example arrangement, the plurality of slots 1135 are arcuate slots. The plurality of slots 1135 are configured to receive, for example slidably receive, a pin 1175 protruding from the blade carriage 1170 towards the aperture collar 1130, and pins 1165 protruding from the roller assemblies 1160 toyvards the aperture collar 1130. In the assembled state, an opening 1149 in the aperture cover 1140. and opening 1139 in the aperture collar 1 130 are aligned with a receiving area defined between the roller assemblies 11 0 and the blade carriage 1170, so that a cable inserted into the bushing 1100 through the openings 1149, 1139 is positioned to contact the blade 1176 coupled in the blade carriage 1170, for the removal of the protective cover from the cable.

[00224] In the at rest state, the plurality of teeth 1134 of the aperture collar 1130 are engaged with the corresponding plurality of teeth 1124 of the sleeve 1120, as shown in FIG. HE. That is, in the at rest state, the biasing member 1115 exerts a biasing force that urges the sleeve 1120 in the direction of the aperture collar 1130 to the engaged state shown in FIG.

1 IE. To set the bushing 1100 for use with a particular configuration of cable (e.g., a particular overall diameter and/or wire diameter and/or protective cover thickness), the sleeve 1120 is pulled back, away from the aperture collar 1130, in the direction of the arroyv Gl. In the separated state of the sleeve 1120 and the aperture collar 1130 shown in FIG. 11 F, the aperture collar 1130 (having the pins 1165, 1175 received in the slots 1135) may be rotated, to adjust a position, for example, a radial position, of the roller assemblies 1160 and the blade carriage 1170 carry ing the blade 1176. For example, as shown in FIG. 11G, a rotation in the direction of the arrow R1 shown in FIG. 11G and the corresponding movement of the pins 1165, 1175 in the slots 1135 (1135A through 1135F) may cause the roller assemblies 1160 and the blade carriage 1170 carrying the blade 1176 to move radially outward, to accommodate a cable having a larger overall diameter. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 11H, a rotation in the direction of the arrow R2 shown in FIG. 11H and the corresponding movement of the pins 1165. 1175 in the slots 1135 may cause the roller assemblies 1160 and the blade carriage 1170 carrying the blade 1176 to move radially inward, to accommodate a cable having a smaller overall diameter. This example arrangement includes slots 1135 A through 1135F. In some examples, the pins 1165, 1175 may be received in some of the slots 1135, while remaining slots 1135 may provide for the attachment of the aperture collar 1130 and aperture cover 1140 to the bushing body 1150. In the example arrangement shown in FIGs. 11G and 11H, the pins 1165 are received in the slots 1135C and 1135E, and the pin 1175 is received in the slot 1135 A, to guide movement of the pins 1165, 1175, and corresponding movement of the blade carriage 1170 relative to the bushing body 1150. In this example arrangement, the remaining slots 1135 (1135B, 1135D, 1135F) may provide for securing the aperture collar 1130 and/or aperture cover 1140 in place relative to the bushing body 1150. The example arrangement shown in FIG. 11G may be considered a maximum or fully open configuration. As shown in FIGs. 11G and 11H, the arrangement of the roller assemblies 1160 and corresponding openings 1156 in the example bushing 1100 provides for an aligned, or coaxial positioning of a cable the in the example bushing 1 100.

[00225] The 1130 may be rotated until the cable is secured in the openings 1149, 1139 and the receiving area formed betw een the roller assemblies 1160 and the blade carriage 1170. At this point, a release of the 1120 causes the biasing force exerted by the 1115 on the sleeve 1120 move the sleeve 1120 in the direction of the arrow G2, and the plurality of teeth 1124 of the sleeve 1120 to reengage the plurality of teeth 1134 of the 1130, as in FIG. HE, to maintain the set position of the sleeve 1120 and the aperture collar 1130. In some examples, a key feature 1178 on the blade carriage 1170 may engage an opening 1125 in the sleeve 1120, to maintain the set position of the roller assemblies 1160 and the blade 1176/blade carriage 1170. Thus, the example bushing 1100 including the adjustable blade carriage 1170/bushing body 1150 and interaction with the plurality⁷ of slots 1135 in the aperture collar 1130 provides for the stripping of insulation material from a plurality⁷ of differently configured cables w ith a single bushing. This provides an efficient, cost effective, and relatively compact solution to removing insulating material from a variety of different configurations of cable with a single cable stripping tool. The example bushing 1100 can be coupled to various different cable stripping tools including, for example, a dedicated manual or power-driven cable stripping tool, one of the cable stripping accessory devices described above, and other such cable stripping tools.

[00226] FIGs. 12A-12G illustrate an example bushing assembly 1200 that can accommodate a plurality of differently configured cables (e g., different wire diameters, different protective cover thicknesses, and the like), and provide for the stripping of material, for example, insulation material, from the plurality of differently configured cables. The example bushing assembly 1200 can be coupled to a dedicated manual or power-driven cable stripping tool, and/or to an accessory device, such as one of the accessory' devices described herein, for the removal of material, for example insulation material, from a plurality of differently configured cables. In particular, FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the example bushing assembly 1200. FIG. 12B illustrates relative arrangement of internal components of the example bushing assembly 1200. FIG. 12C is an exploded perspective view of the example bushing assembly 1200 shown in FIGs. 12Aand 12B. FIG. 12D is a cross-sectional view of the example bushing assembly 1200 show n in FIGs. 12A-12C. FIG. 12E illustrates a setting and adjustment process for the example bushing assembly 1200 shown in FIGs. 12A- 12D. FIG. 12F is an axial view' of an arrangement of internal components of the example bushing assembly 1200 in a first state, in which the example bushing assembly 1200 configured to receive a first cable having a first configuration (e.g.. a first overall diameter and/or a first wire diameter and/or a first protective cover thickness). FIG. 12G is an axial end view of internal components of the example bushing assembly 1200 in a second state, in which the example bushing assembly 1200 is configured to receive a second cable having a second configuration (e.g.. a second overall diameter and/or a second wire diameter and/or a second protective cover thickness).

[00227] As shown in FIG. 12A, the example bushing assembly 1200 includes a stem portion 1210 having a coupling portion 1212 and a flange portion 1214. The coupling portion 1212 is received in a bushing receptacle of a barrel of a cable stripping tool. In some examples, the coupling portion 1212 provides for the coupling of the example bushing assembly 1200 to the barrel of a dedicated cable stripping tool (not explicitly show n herein). In some examples, the coupling portion 1212 provides for the coupling of the example bushing assembly 1200 to an accessory device, for example, to the bushing receptacle of the barrel of one of the accessory devices described above.

[00228] The flange portion 1214 of the stem portion 1210 is coupled to a corresponding end portion (a rear end portion in the example orientation shown in 12A) of a housing 1220 of the example bushing assembly 1200. An adjuster, e.g.. in the form of a cable adjustment device 1230, is coupled to an end portion of the housing 1220, opposite the stem portion 1210. The cable adjustment device 1230 is manipulatable for adjusting a position of a cable into the housing 1220, to position the cable relative to a blade 1256 in the housing 1220. The cable adjustment device 1230 includes a toothed collar 1232 seated on a seating recess 1233 defined on the front cam 1231. The collar 1232 includes a plurality of teeth 1234 formed on an annular ring portion of the collar 1232. The plurality of teeth 1234 on the annular ring portion of the collar 1232 selectively engage a corresponding plurality of teeth 1224 formed on a mating surface of the housing 1220. A plurality of protrusions 1236 extend outward, for example radially outward, from the annular ring portion of the collar 1232. The plurality of protrusions 1236 are selectively received in a plurality of recesses 1235 formed in the front cam 1231.

[00229] An alignment device 1240 is received in the housing 1220 and coupled to the cable adjustment device 1230. The alignment device 1240 aligns a cable received in the housing 1220 in response to manipulation of the front cam 1231 of the cable adjustment device 1230. The alignment device 1240 includes a first jaw 1241 and a second jaw 1242 that are movably coupled by a series of links 1243 mounted in linkage blocks 1244. A blade adjustment device 1250 is coupled to the alignment device 1240. In this example arrangement, the blade adjustment device 1250 is coupled to the first jaw 1241 of the alignment device 1240. The blade adjustment device 1250 includes a blade carriage 1258 coupled to the first jaw 1241, such that the blade carriage 1258 moves together with the first jaw 1241. A blade 1256 is mounted on the blade carriage 1258, so as to contact a cable positioned by the first jaw 1241 and the second jaw 1242. for the removal of material, for example, insulation material, from the cable. An adjustment knob 1252 including a shank 1254 extends through the housing 1220, with the shank 1254 coupled, for example threadably coupled, to the blade carriage 1258. Manipulation, for example, rotation of the adjustment knob 1252. with the shank 1254 threadably engaged with the blade carriage 1258, causes movement of the blade carriage 1258. and fine adjustment of a position of the blade 1256 relative to the cable held in the first and second jaws 1241, 1242.

[00230] A plurality⁷ of pins 1247 have a first end thereof fixed to one of the first jaw 1241 or the second jaw 1242, and a second end thereof slidably received in a corresponding slot 1237, for example, an arcuate slot, formed in the front cam 1231. The engagement of the front cam 1231, the first jaw 1241 and the second jaw 1242 by the plurality of pins 1247 provides for the movement of the first jaw 1241 and the second jaw 1242 in response to manipulation, for example, rotation, of the front cam 1231 for adjusting a position of a cable in the example bushing assembly 1200. This is illustrated in FIGs. 12E(1)-12G.

[00231] FIG. 12F is an axial end view of the components of the alignment device 1240, in an at rest state, or a fully open state, in which the first and second jaws 1241, 1242 are separated by a substantially maximum distance. In the at rest state of the bushing assembly 1200, the plurality of teeth 1234 of the collar 1232 coupled on the front cam 1231 are engaged with the corresponding plurality of teeth 1224 of the housing 1220. As shown in FIG. 12E(1), to allow for rotation of the front cam 1231, the front cam 1231 is pulled away from the housing 1220, in the direction of the arrows H. thus disengaging the front cam 1231 and the housing 1220. Disengagement of the plurality of teeth 1224, 1234 allows the front cam 1231 to rotate relative to the housing 1220, and relative to the alignment device 1240, with the plurality of pins 1247 engaged between the first and second jaws 1241, 1242 and the slots 1237 formed in the front cam 1231. In particular, as shown in FIG. 12E(2), rotation of the front cam 1231 in the direction of the arrow R1 causes corresponding movement of the plurality of pins 1247 in the slots 1237. Movement of the plurality of pins 1247, fixed to the first and second jaws 1241, 1242 in the slots 1237 in turn causes corresponding movement of the first jaw 1241 in the direction of the arrow JI, and corresponding movement of the second jaw 1242 in the direction of the arrow J2, thus closing the first and second jaws 1241, 1242 around a cable inserted into the example bushing assembly 1200. FIG. 12G is an axial end view of the components of the alignment device, in a substantially fully closed state of the first and second jaws 1241, 1242, in which the first and second jaws 1241, 1241 are separated by a substantially minimum distance. Movement of the first and second jaws 1241. 1242 in this manner is facilitated by the links 1243, mounted in the linkage blocks 1244, which guide movement of the first and second jaws 1242, 1242 in this manner, together with the blade carriage 1258. In some examples, relative movement of the first and second jaws 1241, 1242, and relative positioning of the first and second jaws 1241, 1242 may be facilitated and maintained by guide pins 1245. Rotation of the front cam 1231 in the direction of the arrow R2 may cause the first and second jaws 1241. 1242 to separate/move further apart, to release a currently held cable, to accommodate a larger cable, and the like. In this position, the blade carriage 1258 has moved together with the first and second jaws 1241, so that the blade 1256 is positioned to remove material, for example, insulation material, from a cable received between the first and second jaws 1241, 1242. With the cable positioned and secured between the first and second jaws 1241, 1242, and the blade 1256 correspondingly positioned relative to the cable, the front cam 1231 is released, allowing the plurality of teeth 1234 of the collar 1232 on the front cam 1231 and the corresponding plurality of teeth 1224 of the housing 1220 to re-engage. As shown in FIGs. 12F and 12G, the arrangement of the first and second jaws 1241, 1242 and action of the links 1243 in the example bushing assembly 1200 provides for an aligned, or coaxial positioning of a cable the in the example bushing assembly 1200.

[00232] In some situations, a user may choose to make a fine adjustment of the position of the blade 1256. As shown in FIG. 12E(3), rotation of the adjustment knob 1252 in the direction of the arrow R1 may cause movement of the blade carriage 1258 in the direction of the arrow JI, and a corresponding movement of the blade 1256. Similarly, rotation of the adjustment knob 1252 in the direction of the arrow R2 may cause movement of the blade carriage 1258 in the direction of the arrow J2, and a corresponding movement of the blade 1256. Thus, manipulation of the adjustment knob 1252 may allow the user to make fine adjustments to the position of the blade 1256 relative to the cable.

[00233] Thus, the example bushing assembly 1200 including the cable adjustment device 1230, the alignment device 1240, and the blade adjustment device 1250 provides for the stripping of the protective cover from a plurality of differently configured cables with a single bushing. This provides an efficient, cost effective, and relatively compact solution to removing insulating material from a variety⁷ of different configurations of cable with a single cable stripping tool. The example bushing assembly 1200 can be coupled to various different cable stripping tools including, for example, a dedicated manual or power-driven cable stripping tool, one of the cable stripping accessory devices described above, and other such cable stripping tools.

[00234] FIGs. 13A-13H illustrate an example bushing assembly 1300 that can accommodate a plurality of differently configured cables (e.g., different wire diameters, different protective cover thicknesses, and the like), and provide for the stripping of the protective cover from the plurality⁷ of differently configured cables. The example bushing assembly 1300 can be coupled to a dedicated manual or power-driven cable stripping tool, and/or to an accessory device, such as one of the accessory devices described herein, for the removal of the protective cover from a plurality of differently configured cables.

[00235] In particular, FIG. 13A is an assembled perspective view of the example bushing assembly 1300. FIG. 13B is an exploded perspective view of the example bushing assembly 1300 shown in FIG. 13 A. FIG. 13C is a partially disassembled view of the example bushing assembly 1300 shown in FIGs. 13A and 13B. FIG. 13D is a side view of the example bushing assembly 1300 shown in FIGs. 13A-13C, with a portion of a housing removed. FIG. 13E illustrates an assembly process associated with the example bushing assembly 1300. FIG. 13F illustrates an example adjustment process associated with the bushing assembly 1300.

[00236] As shown in FIGs. 13A-13D, the bushing assembly 1300 includes an example cap 1310 that is removably couplable in a bushing body 1320. The bushing body 1320 includes a coupling portion 1322 that is received in a bushing receptacle of a barrel of a cable stripping tool. In some examples, the coupling portion 1322 provides for the coupling of the example bushing assembly 1300 to the barrel of a dedicated cable stripping tool (not explicitly shown herein). In some examples, the coupling portion 1322 provides for the coupling of the example bushing assembly 1300 to an accessory' device, for example, to the bushing receptacle of the barrel of one of the accessory devices described above. In some examples, a plurality of differently configured caps can be selectively coupled to the bushing body 1320, allowing the bushing assembly 1300 to accommodate a plurality of differently configured cables (e.g., cables having different overall diameters and/or wire diameters and/or protective cover thicknesses). The principles to be described herein related to the example cap 1310 and bushing body 1320 are similarly applicable to the functionality, installation, and operability of the plurality of differently configured caps, and thus duplicative detailed description will be omitted.

[00237] The example cap 1310 is removably couplable to the bushing body 1320 to provide for the stripping of material, for example, insulation material, from a cable of a particular size/configuration inserted into the bushing assembly 1300. Each cap 1310 may include a cap body 1311. A substantially cylindrical guide portion 1313 extends outward from the cap body 1311 to a tapered portion 1317. An adjustment groove 1319 is formed in the guide portion 1313 of the cap 1310. In some examples, the adjustment groove 1319 has a substantially helical contour that extends at least partially around an outer circumferential portion of the guide portion 1313 of the cap 1310. A collar 1332 is mounted on/surrounds guide portion 1313. The collar 1332 includes a plurality of teeth 1334 formed on an annular ring portion, and a plurality of protrusions 1336 extending outward, for example radially outward, from the annular ring portion of the collar 1332. The plurality of protrusions 1336 are received in and extend outward, for example radially outward, from a plurality of recesses 1315 beyond an outer periphery of the cap body 1311. In some examples, biasing members 1312 are positioned on pins 1314, between the cap body 1311 and the collar 1332, biasing the collar 1332 into contact with the bushing body 1320. In particular, the plurality of teeth 1334 of the collar 1332 are selectively engaged with a corresponding plurality of teeth 1324 formed on a mating surface of the bushing body 1320, to fix a position of the cap 1310 and the bushing body 1320 such that the cap 1310 rotates together with the bushing body 1320.

[00238] A blade carrier assembly 1340 includes a mounting bracket 1342 that couples a biasing member 1344 in the bushing body 1320. A blade 1346 is coupled to the biasing member 1344, to provide for spring loaded mounting of a blade 1346 in the bushing body 1320. An adjustment device 1350 includes a pin 1354 coupled to and extending from knob 1352, through a liner 1358 and into the bushing body 1320. An end portion of the pin 1354 is received in, for example slidably received in, the adjustment groove 1319 formed on the guide portion 1313 of the cap 1310. A biasing member 1356 is mounted around the pin 1354, such that the end portion of the pin 1354 is biased into the adjustment groove 1319.

[00239] FIG. 13E illustrates the coupling of the example cap 1310 to the bushing body 1320. A user selects a cap, from a plurality of caps available for coupling to the bushing body 1320. The user may select the cap based on a configuration of a cable to be stripped by the example bushing assembly 1300 coupled to an accessory device and/or a power-driven tool as described above. As shown in FIG. 13E, the knob 1352 is drawn in the direction of the arrow KI , to allow for insertion of the tapered portion 1317 and the guide portion 1313 of the cap 1310 into an interior of the bushing body 1320, in the direction of the arrows LI. Once the example cap 1310 is inserted into the bushing body 1320, the knob 1352 is released, and the biasing member 1356 biases the end portion of the pin 1354 into the adjustment groove 1319 formed in the guide portion 1313 of the cap 1310. In the coupled state of the cap 1310 and the bushing body 1320, the plurality of teeth 1334 of the collar 1332 are engaged with the plurality of teeth 1324 of the bushing body 1320. This engagement fixes a position of the cap 1310 relative to the bushing body 1320, such that the cap 1310 and the bushing body 1320 will rotate together in response to a rotational force transmitted thereto. In the coupled state of the cap 1310 and the bushing body 1320, the tapered portion 1317 of the cap 1310 pushes the blade 1346 and compresses the biasing member 1344 on which the blade 1346 is mounted, setting the height, or position, of the blade 1346 relative a cable received in the bushing assembly 1300.

[00240] FIG. 13F illustrates adjustment of the position of the blade 1346 in the bushing body 1320. To initiate adjustment, the cap 1310 is moved in the direction of the arrows L2, to disengage the plurality' of teeth 1334 of the collar 1332 and the corresponding plurality of teeth 1324 of the bushing body 1320. This allow s for rotation of the cap 1310/collar 1332 relative to the bushing body 1320. while the end portion of the pin 1354 remains engaged in the adjustment groove 1319 defined in the guide portion 1313 of the cap 1310. For example, rotation of the cap 1310 in the direction of the arrow R1 causes the end portion of the pin 1354 to travel in the adjustment groove 1319 defined in the guide portion 1313 of the cap 1310. This movement of the pin 1354 in the adjustment groove 1319 changes a portion of the tapered portion 1317 that contacts and exerts a force on the blade 1346, changing a height, or position of the blade 1346 based on a position at which the tapered portion 1317 contacts the blade 1346. When the height, or position of the blade 1346 is set as desired, the cap 1310 is released. The biasing force exerted by the biasing members 1312 returns the bushing assembly 1300 to a state in which the plurality of teeth 1334 of the collar 1332 of the cap 1310 are engaged with the corresponding plurality of teeth 1324 of the bushing body 1320. FIG. 13G is an axial end view of the example bushing assembly 1300, illustrating a height, or position of the blade 1346 after the coupling of the cap 1310 to the bushing body 1320 as described above with respect to FIG. 13E, and prior to manipulation of the adjustment device 1350. FIG. 13H is an axial end view of the example bushing assembly 1300- illustrating a position, or height, of the blade 1346 after adjustment as described above with respect to FIG. 13F.

[00241] The example bushing assembly 1300 including a plurality of caps 1310 that are selectively couplable to the bushing body 1320, based on a configuration of a particular cable from which the protective cover is to be stripped as described above, provides an efficient, cost effective, and relatively compact solution to removing the protective cover from a variety of different configurations of cable with a single cable stripping tool. The example bushing assembly 1300 can be coupled to various different cable stripping tools including, for example, a dedicated manual or power-driven cable stripping tool, one of the cable stripping accessory devices described above, and other such cable stripping tools.

[00242] FIGs. 14A-14D illustrate an example bushing assembly 1400 that can accommodate a plurality of differently configured cables (e.g., different wire diameters, different protective cover thicknesses, and the like), and provide for the stripping of the protective cover from the plurality of differently configured cables. The example bushing assembly 1400 can be coupled to a dedicated manual or power-driven cable stripping tool, and/or to an accessory device, such as one of the accessory devices described herein, for the removal of the protective cover from a plurality of differently configured cables. In particular, FIG. 14A is a perspective view of an example bushing assembly 1400. FIG. 14B is a partially disassembled perspective view of the example bushing assembly 1400 including a first example adapter 1480A. FIG. 14C illustrates the example bushing assembly 1400 including a second example adapter 1480B. FIG. 14D illustrates the example bushing assembly 1400 including a third example adapter 1490.

[00243] The bushing assembly 1400 includes an example cap 1410 that is removably couplable in a bushing body 1420. The bushing body 1420 includes a coupling portion 1422 that is received in a bushing receptacle of a barrel of a cable stripping tool. In some examples, the coupling portion 1422 provides for the coupling of the example bushing assembly 1400 to the barrel of a dedicated cable stripping tool (not explicitly shown herein). In some examples, the coupling portion 1422 provides for the coupling of the example bushing assembly 1400 to an accessory device, for example, to the bushing receptacle of the barrel of one of the accessory' devices described above. In some examples, a plurality' of differently configured caps can be selectively coupled to the bushing body 1420, allowing the bushing assembly 1400 to accommodate a plurality of differently configured cables (e.g., cables having different overall diameters and/or wire diameters and/or protective cover thicknesses). The example bushing assembly 1400 includes a blade carrier assembly 1440 that provides for the mounting of a blade in the bushing assembly 1400, for the removal of material, for example, insulation material from a cable received in the bushing assembly 1400.

[00244] Features of the bushing body bushing body 1420, the blade carrier assembly 1440, and the adjustment device 1450 are similar to those described above with respect to the example bushing assembly 1300 shown in FIGs. 13A-13G, and thus duplicative detailed description will be omitted. Some of the features of the cap 1410 of the example bushing assembly 1400 are similar to those of the example cap 1310 described above with respect to the example bushing assembly' 1300 shown in FIGs. 13A-13G, and thus duplicative detailed description of similar features will be omitted.

[00245] The cap 1410 includes a cap body 1411 to which a collar 1432 is coupled. The collar 1432 includes a plurality’ of teeth 1434 that selectively engage a plurality of teeth on a mating surface of the bushing body 1420 (not shown in FIGs. 14A-14D) to selective couple the cap 1410 to the bushing body 1420. An adapter 1480 is couplable in a central opening 1418 in the cap body 1411. The adapter 1480 may be one of a plurality of differently configured adapters that can be coupled in the central opening 1418 of the cap body 1411. The differently configured adapters may accommodate differently configured cables (e.g., cables having different overall diameters and/or wire diameters and/or protective cover thicknesses). This allows different adapters 1480 to be coupled in the central opening 1418 of a common cap 1410, thus allowing a single, common cap 1410 to be adapted to accommodate a plurality of differently configured cables.

[00246] The example adapter 1480 A shown in FIG. 14B includes a main body defining a substantially cylindrical guide portion 1483. A tapered portion 1487 extends from the guide portion 1483, with a portion thereof selectively contacting a blade positioned in the bushing body 1420. An adjustment groove 1489 is formed in the guide portion 1483 of the adapter 1480. In some examples, the adjustment groove 1489 has a substantially helical contour that extends at least partially around an outer circumferential portion of the guide portion 1483, so as to interact with the adjustment device 1450 for adjustment of a position of the blade in the bushing body 1420 as described above. An engagement mechanism may provide for engagement of the example adapter 1480 in the cap body 1411. In this example arrangement, the engagement mechanism includes at least one protrusion 1485 configured to engage at least one corresponding recess 1415 formed in the central opening 1418 of the cap body 1411. to fix a position of the adapter 1480 relative to the cap 1410. In the example shown in FIG. 14B, the adapter 1480A is inserted into the cap body 1411, from a first side of the cap body 1411, in the direction of the arrow Ml. For example, the adapter 1480A is inserted into the central opening 1418 from a rear end portion of the cap body 1411.

[00247] In the example shown in FIG. 14C, the example adapter 1480B is inserted into the cap body 1411. from a second side of the cap body 1411, in the direction of the arrow M2. For example, the adapter 1480B is inserted into the central opening 1418 from a front or forward end portion of the cap body 1411. In some examples, the adapter 1480 (e.g., the first adapter 1480A and/or the second adapter 1480B) and/or the cap body 1411 is rotated so as to align the at least one protrusion 1485 formed on the adapter 1480 (e.g.. the first adapter 1480A and/or the second adapter 1480B) with the at least one corresponding recess 1415 formed in the cap 1410. The assembled adapter 1480 and cap body 1411 may then be coupled to the bushing body 1420 as previously described.

[00248] FIG. 14D illustrates another example adapter 1490 that can be selectively coupled to the cap 1410. The example adapter 1490 includes a main body defining a substantially cylindrical guide portion 1493. A tapered portion 1497 extends from the guide portion 1493, with a portion thereof selectively contacting a blade positioned in the bushing body 1420. An adjustment groove 1499 is formed in the cylindrical guide portion 1493 of the adapter 1490. In some examples, the adjustment groove 1499 has a substantially helical contour that extends at least partially around an outer circumferential portion of the guide portion 1493 of the adapter 1490, so as to interact with the adjustment device 1450 for adjustment of a position of the blade in the bushing body 1420 as described above. An engagement mechanism may provide for engagement of the example adapter 1490 in the cap body 1411. In this example arrangement, the example adapter 1490 includes a threaded portion 1495. The threaded portion 1495 of the adapter 1490 is configured to engage a corresponding threaded portion 1425 formed in the central opening 1418 of the cap body 1411, to fix a position of the adapter 1480 relative to the cap 1410.

[00249] As shown in FIG. 14D, after a properly sized adapter has been selected for a particular cable to be stripped, the adapter 1490 is inserted into the cap body 1411, in the direction of the arrow M. For example, the adapter 1490 is inserted into the central opening 1418 from a front or forward end portion of the cap body 1411. until the threaded portion 1495 of the adapter 1490 is positioned corresponding to the threaded portion 1425 of the cap 1410. At this point, the adapter 1490 may be rotated, for example in the direction of the arrow R, to threadably engage the threaded portion 1495 of the adapter 1490 and the corresponding threaded portion 1425 of the cap 1410. The assembled adapter 1490 and cap body 1411 may then be coupled to the bushing body 1420 as previously described.

[00250] The example bushing assembly 1400 including a plurality of adapters that are selectively couplable to a common cap, based on a configuration of a particular cable from which the protective cover is to be stripped as described above, provides an efficient, cost effective, and relatively compact solution to removing insulating material from a variety of different configurations of cable with a single cable stripping tool. The example bushing assembly 1400 can be coupled to various different cable stripping tools including, for example, a dedicated manual or power-driven cable stripping tool, one of the cable stripping accessory devices described above, and other such cable stripping tools.

[00251] FIGs. 15A-15G illustrate an example bushing 1500 that can accommodate a plurality of differently configured cables (e.g., different wire diameters, different protective cover thicknesses, and the like), and provide for the stripping of the protective cover from the plurality of differently configured cables. The example bushing 1500 can be coupled to a dedicated manual or power-driven cable stripping tool, and/or to an accessory device, such as one of the accessory devices described herein, for the removal of the protective cover from a plurality⁷ of differently configured cables.

[00252] In particular, FIG. 15 A is an assembled perspective view of the example bushing 1500. FIG. 15B illustrates an example adjuster, or adjustment mechanism 1560. of the example bushing 1500 shown in FIG. 15A. FIG. 15C is an exploded perspective view of the example bushing 1500 shown in FIG. 15 A. FIG. 15D is a cross-sectional view⁷ with some components shown in a partially transparent state, and FIG. 15E is a side view, of the example bushing 1500 shown in FIGs. 15A-15C, illustrating operation of the example adjuster, or adjustment mechanism 1560 of the example bushing 1500. FIG. 15F is an axial end view of the example bushing 1500 in a first state, in which a first cable having a first configuration (e.g.. a first overall diameter and/or a first wire diameter and/or a first protective cover thickness) is inserted in the bushing 1500. FIG. 15G is an axial end view of the example bushing 1500 in a second state, in which a second cable having a second configuration (e.g., a second overall diameter and/or a second wire diameter and/or a second protective cover thickness) is inserted in the bushing 1500.

[00253] The example bushing 1500 includes a bushing body 1520 having a coupling portion 1522 that is couplable to a bushing receptacle of a barrel of a cable stripping tool. In some examples, the coupling portion 1522 provides for the coupling of the example bushing 1500 to the barrel of a dedicated cable stripping tool (not explicitly shown herein). In some examples, the coupling portion 1522 provides for the coupling of the example bushing 1500 to an accessory' device, for example, to the bushing receptacle of the barrel of one of the accessory' devices described above. A cable carriage 1510 is movably coupled to the bushing body 1520, such that a receiving space 1530 is formed therebetween. The cable carriage 1510 includes an internal receiving surface configured to support a cable within the receiving space 1530. The internal receiving surface of the cable carriage 1510 includes a first receiving surface 1511 and a second receiving surface 1512, forming a V-shaped internal receiving surface, to support the cable on two line contact surfaces. A plate 1535 extends across a face of the cable carriage 1510 and the bushing body 1520 to help maintain alignment as the cable carriage 1510 moves relative to the bushing body 1520. In some examples, the plate 1535 provides a guide for insertion of the cable into the receiving space 1530. A cable may be inserted into the receiving space 1530, and positioned relative to a blade 1526 coupled in the bushing body 1520, to provide for the removal of the protective cover from the cable, based on a position of the cable carriage 1510 relative to the bushing body 1520. An adjustment mechanism 1560 may be coupled between the cable carriage 1510 and the bushing body 1520 to allow a user to adjust a relative position of the cable carriage 1510 and the bushing body 1520 to accommodate various differently configured cables as described above.

[00254] The example adjustment mechanism 1560 includes a dial 1561 that is manipulatable by the user. Rotation of the dial 1561 causes rotation of a pinion 1562 linked to the dial 1561. The pinion 1562 is engaged with a rack gear 1563, such that rotation of the pinion 1562 moves the rack gear 1563 upward or downward, depending on the direction of rotation of the dial 1561. A first end portion of the rack gear 1563 is coupled to the cable carriage 1510 by a fastener 1513 extending through the cable carnage 1510 and into the rack gear 1563, such that the rack gear 1563 and the cable carriage 1510 move together. A second end portion of the rack gear 1563 is received in a guide groove 1523 formed in the bushing body 1520. Thus, rotation of the dial 1561, for example in the direction of the arrows R1 or R2, and corresponding movement of the pinion 1562 along the rack gear 1563 causes the cable carriage 1510 to move for example, in the direction of the arrows N1 or N2, respectively, relative to the bushing body 1520. Movement of the cable carriage 1510 in the direction of the arrows N1 or N2 in response to rotation of the dial 1561 adjusts a size of the receiving space 1530 defined between the bushing body 1520 and the cable carriage 1510. to accommodate a variety of differently configured cables as described above.

[00255] As shown in FIGs. 15B-15D, the adjustment mechanism 1560 includes a biasing device 1566 positioned within the dial 1561. The biasing device 1566 is positioned surrounding a fastener that extends through the dial 1561 and into the pinion 1562. The biasing device 1566 is biased against a backstop 1567 formed within the dial 1561. A first tooth plate 1564 formed at an end portion of the dial 1561 is selectively engaged with a second tooth plate 1565, to selectively maintain a rotated position of the dial 1561, and a corresponding position of the pinion 1562 on the rack gear 1563, and a corresponding relative position of the cable carriage 1510 and the bushing body 1520.

[00256] In order to adjust or change a position of the cable carriage 1510 relative to the bushing body 1520 to the desired position, the dial 1561 is pulled away from the bushing body 1520 in the direction of the arrow Pl shown in FIG. 15D, to disengage the first tooth plate 1564 and the second tooth plate 1565. With the first and second tooth plates 1564, 1565 disengaged, the dial 1561 is rotated, for example, in the direction of the arrow R1 or the arrow' R2 show n in FIG. 15E, to a position corresponding to a size of the receiving space corresponding to a configuration of cable to be stripped. In some examples, the dial 1561 includes indicia to guide the user in selecting a position corresponding to a particular configuration of cable. At the selected position of the dial 1561 (corresponding to a position of the cable carriage 1510 relative to the bushing body 1520 to produce a desired receiving space 1530 for the cable), the dial 1561 is released, and a biasing force exerted by the biasing device moves the dial 1561 in the direction of the arrow P2 shown in FIG. 15D, causing reengagement of the first and second tooth plates 1564. 1565. and locking the dial 1561 in the desired position.

[00257] FIG. 15F is an axial end view' of the example bushing 1500, illustrating an example first cable 1540 inserted in the receiving space 1530 defined between the cable carriage 1510 and the bushing body 1520. The example arrangement shown in FIG. 15F may represent a first state of the bushing 1500 in which the cable carriage 1510 and the bushing body 1520 are separated at a first distance, corresponding to a first receiving space 1530 for receiving a cable therein. In this first state, the cable carriage 1510 is positioned at a first distance from the bushing body 1520, to accommodate the overall diameter of the example first cable 1540, and to position the example first cable 1540 relative to the blade 1526 to provide for the removal of the protective cover from the first cable 1540. FIG. 15G is an axial end view of the example bushing 1500, illustrating an example second cable 1550 inserted in the receiving space 1530 defined between the cable camage 1510 and the bushing body 1520. In the example arrangement shown in FIG. 15G, the dial 1561 has been rotated, for example in the direction of the arrow Rl, to cause movement of the rack gear 1563 and the cable carriage 1510 in the direction of the arrow Nl. The example arrangement shown in FIG. 15G may represent a second state of the bushing 1500 in which the cable carriage 1510 and the bushing body 1520 are separated at a second distance, corresponding to a second receiving space 1530 for receiving a cable therein. In this second state, the cable carriage 1510 is positioned at a second distance from the bushing body 1520, to accommodate the overall diameter of the example second cable 1550, and to position the example second cable 1550 relative to the blade 1526 to provide for the removal of the protective cover from the second cable 1550.

[00258] In this example arrangement, rotation of the dial 1561, for example in the direction of the arrow Rl , draws the cable carriage 1510 upward, toward the bushing body 1520, in the direction of the arrow Nl. to adjust a size of the receiving space 1530 formed between the cable carriage 1510 and the bushing body 1520. Rotation of the dial 1561 in the direction of the arrows R2, drawls the cable carriage 1510 away from the bushing body 1520, in the direction of the arrow N2, to accommodate a cable having a greater overall diameter. The adjustment provided in response to rotation of the 1561 in this manner allows the bushing 1500 to be easily adjusted to receive and properly position a plurality of differently configured cables relative to the blade 1526, without removal of the blade 1526, to provide for the stripping of the protective cover from the cable.

[00259] The example arrangement shown in FIG. 15F may represent a substantially maximum distance between the cable carriage 1510 and the bushing body 1520, corresponding to a substantially maximum receiving space 1530 corresponding to a maximum overall diameter of a cable to be received therein and stripped by the example blade 1526 extending into the receiving space 1530. In this example arrangement, a central axis X’ of the of the receiving space 1530/a central axis of the example first cable 1540 received therein corresponds to, or is substantially coincident w ith, a central axis X of the example bushing 1500. The example arrangement shown in FIG. 15G may represent a substantially minimum distance between the cable carriage 1510 and the bushing body 1520, corresponding to a substantially minimum receiving space 1530 corresponding to a minimum overall diameter of a cable to be received therein and stripped by the example blade 1526 extending into the receiving space 1530. In this example arrangement, a central axis X’ of the of the receiving space 1530/a central axis of the example second cable 1550 received therein is offset from, or eccentric to, a central axis X of the example bushing 1500, about which the example bushing 1500 will rotate.

[00260] This eccentric positioning of the receiving space 1530/cable received therein allows the blade 1526 to establish and maintain contact with the cable, based on a position of the cable camage 1510 relative to the bushing body 1520. As the bushing 1500 rotates about the central axis X, with the cable received in the receiving space 1530, the protective cover is stripped from the cable, even when the cable is offset from/eccentrically positioned relative to the axis of rotation of the bushing 1500. Thus, the example bushing 1500 including the adjustable cable carriage 1510 provides for the stripping of the protective cover from a plurality of differently configured cables with a single bushing. This provides an efficient, cost effective, and relatively compact solution to removing the protective cover from a variety⁷ of different configurations of cable with a single cable stripping tool. The example bushing 1500 can be coupled to various different cable stripping tools including, for example, a dedicated manual or power-driven cable stripping tool, one of the cable stripping accessory⁷ devices described above, and other such cable stripping tools.

[00261] FIGs. 16A-16E illustrate an example bushing 1600 that can accommodate a plurality of differently configured cables (e.g., different wire diameters, different protective cover thicknesses, and the like), and provide for the stripping of the protective cover from the plurality of differently configured cables. The example bushing 1600 can be coupled to a dedicated manual or power-driven cable stripping tool, and/or to an accessory device, such as one of the accessory devices described herein, for the removal of the protective cover from a plurality of differently configured cables.

[00262] FIG. 16A is a perspective view of the example bushing 1600. FIG. 16B is a transparent perspective view, and FIG. 16C is a transparent axial end view, of the example bushing show n in FIG. 16 A. FIG. 16D is an axial end view of the example bushing show n in FIGs. 16A-16C, in a first state, in which a first cable having a first configuration (e.g., a first overall diameter and/or a first wire diameter and/or a first protective cover thickness) is inserted in the bushing 1600. FIG. 16E axial end view of the example bushing shown in FIGs. 16A-16C, in a second state, in which a second cable having a second configuration (e.g., a second overall diameter and/or a second wire diameter and/or a second protective cover thickness) is inserted in the bushing 1600.

[00263] The example bushing 1600 includes a bushing body 1620 having a coupling portion 1 22 that is couplable to a bushing receptacle of a barrel of a cable stripping tool. In some examples, the coupling portion 1622 provides for the coupling of the example bushing 1600 to the barrel of a dedicated cable stripping tool (not explicitly shown herein). In some examples, the coupling portion 1622 provides for the coupling of the example bushing 1600 to an accessory' device, for example, to the bushing receptacle of the barrel of one of the accessory' devices described above.

[00264] A receiving space 1630 is defined within an inner wall of the bushing body 1620. A cable support device 1670 is received within at least one protruded portion 1610 of the bushing body 1620. In the example arrangement shown in FIGs. 16A-16E, the bushing body 1620 includes two protruded portions 1610, each housing components of the cable support device 1670. simply for purposes of discussion and illustration. The cable support device 1670 includes a plurality of adjustment devices 1660 that extend through the inner wall of the bushing body 1620. Each of the adjustment devices 1660 includes a biasing device 1664, in the form of a compression spring in this example arrangement, biased between a support pin 1612 formed on an outer wall of the respective protruded portion 1610 and a spherical support ball 1662 extending through a corresponding opening in the inner wall of the bushing body 1620 and into the receiving space 1630. In some examples, a series of adjustment devices 1660 are arranged along a longitudinal length of the bushing body 1620. In the example arrangement shown in FIGs. 16A-16E, a first series of adjustment devices 1660 is arranged along a first portion of the bushing body 1620, in a first of the protruded portions 1610 of the bushing body 1620, and second series of adjustment devices 1660 is arranged along a second portion of the bushing body 1620, in a second of the protruded portions 1610 of the bushing body 1620. In some examples, the first series of adjustment devices 1660 and the second series of adjustment devices 1660 (and the first and second protruded portions 1610) are positioned at a set angle apart so as to provide support, for example rolling support, of a cable inserted into the bushing body⁷ 1620. In some examples, the first series of adjustment devices 1660 and the second series of adjustment devices 1660 are positioned approximately 90 degrees apart. In some examples, the first series of adjustment devices 1660 and the second series of adjustment devices 1660 are positioned greater than 90 degrees apart, or less than 90 degrees apart. In some examples, the spherical support balls 1662 freely roll in a supported position between the biasing device 1664 and the opening in the inner wall of the bushing body 1620. such that the spherical support balls 1662 roll in response to insertion of a cable into the bushing body 1620. In some examples, the spherical support balls 1662 are biased against the cable inserted into the bushing body 1620 by the respective biasing devices 1664 so as to support the cable in the bushing body 1620. In some examples, the openings in the inner wall are sized so that the spherical support balls 1662 are retained in position between the biasing device 1664 and the inner wall of the bushing body 1620 defining the receiving space 1630. For example, the openings in the inner wall may be less than, for example, slightly less than a diameter of the spherical support balls 1662. to allow the spherical support balls 1662 to extend into the receiving space 1630, while still being retained between the biasing devices 1664 and the inner wall of the bushing body 1620.

[00265] As a cable is inserted into the receiving space 1630 of the bushing body 1620, the cable exerts a force on the pl urali ty of spherical support balls 1662, pushing the plurality- spherical support balls 1662 apart to accommodate the insertion of the cable into the bushing 1600. In particular, the spherical support balls 1662 are biased radially inward, into the receiving space 1630 by the biasing devices 1664, in the direction of the arrows R1 shown in FIG. 16C. Insertion of the cable exerts a force that pushes against the spherical support balls 1662, and against the biasing force exerted by the biasing devices 1664, pushing the spherical support balls 1662 radially outward, in the direction of the arrows R2 shown in FIG. 16C, to accommodate the overall diameter of the cable.

[00266] FIG. 16D is an axial end view of the example bushing 1600, illustrating an example first cable 1640 inserted in the receiving space 1630 defined within the bushing body 1620. The example arrangement shown in FIG. 16D may represent a first state of the bushing 1600 in which the spherical support balls 1662 have been moved radially outward, in the direction of the arrows R2 shown in FIG. 16D, for example, from the at rest position shown in FIG. 16C, to form a first receiving space for receiving the first cable 1640 therein. In this first state, the force exerted by the first cable 1640 against the biasing force exerted by the biasing devices 1664 causes this radial movement of the spherical support balls 1662, to accommodate the overall diameter of the example first cable 1640, and to position the example first cable 1640 relative to the blade 1626 to provide for the removal of the protective cover from the first cable 1640.

[00267] FIG. 16E is an axial end view of the example bushing 1600. illustrating an example second cable 1650 inserted in the receiving space 1630 defined within the bushing body 1620. The example arrangement shown in FIG. 16E may represent a second state of the bushing 1600 in which the spherical support balls 1662 are moved radially inward, in the direction of the arrows R1 shown in FIG. 16E (for example, moved radially inward from the position shown in FIG. 16D), to form a second receiving space for receiving the second cable 1650 therein. In this second state, the biasing force exerted by the biasing devices 1664 against the second cable 1650 maintains a position of the second cable 1650 in the receiving space 1630, to position the example second cable 1650 relative to the blade 1626 to provide for the removal of the protective cover from the second cable 1650.

[00268] In this example arrangement, the adjustment devices 1660 of the cable support device 1670 automatically adjust a position of the spherical support balls 1662 in the receiving space 1630 in response to insertion of a cable into the receiving space 1630 to provide support for the cable in the bushing 1600, and to properly position the cable relative to the blade 1626 to provide for the removal of the protective cover from the cable. The automatic adjustment of the positioning of the cable support device 1670 in response to insertion of the cable in this manner allows the bushing 1600 to be easily adjusted to receive and properly position a plurality of differently configured cables relative to the blade 1626, without removal of the blade 1626, to provide for the stripping of the protective cover from the cable.

[00269] The example arrangement shown in FIG. 16D may represent a substantially maximum receiving space 1630 corresponding to a maximum overall diameter of a cable to be received therein and stripped by the example blade 1 26 extending into the receiving space 1630 of the example bushing 1600. In this example arrangement, a central axis X’ of the of the receiving space 1630/a central axis of the example first cable 1640 received therein corresponds to. or is substantially coincident with, a central axis X of the example bushing 1600. The example arrangement shown in FIG. 16E may represent a substantially minimum receiving space 1630 corresponding to a minimum overall diameter of a cable to be received therein and stripped by the example blade 1626 extending into the receiving space 1630. In this example arrangement, a central axis X’ of the of the receiving space 1630/a central axis of the example second cable 1650 received therein is offset from, or eccentric to. a central axis X of the example bushing 1600, about which the example bushing 1600 will rotate.

[00270] This eccentric positioning of the receiving space 1630 and cable received therein allows the blade 1626 to establish and maintain contact with the cable, based on positioning of the spherical support balls 1662 of the adjustment devices 1660 of the cable support device 1670. As the bushing 1600 rotates about the central axis X, with the cable received in the receiving space 1630, the protective cover is stripped from the cable, even when the cable is offset from/eccentrically positioned relative to the axis of rotation of the bushing 1600. Thus, the example bushing 1600 including the example cable support device 1670 provides for the stripping of the protective cover from a plurality of differently configured cables with a single bushing. This provides an efficient, cost effective, and relatively compact solution to removing the protective cover from a variety of different configurations of cable with a single cable stripping tool. The example bushing 1600 can be coupled to various different cable stripping tools including, for example, a dedicated manual or power-driven cable stripping tool, one of the cable stripping accessory⁷ devices described above, and other such cable stripping tools.

[00271] FIGs. 17A-17L illustrate an example bushing 1700 that can accommodate a plurality of differently configured cables (e.g., different wire diameters, different protective cover thicknesses, and the like), and provide for the stripping of material, for example, insulation material, from the plurality⁷ of differently configured cables. The example bushing 1700 can be coupled to a dedicated manual or power-driven cable stripping tool, and/or to an accessory device, such as one of the accessory devices described herein, for the removal of material, for example insulation material, from a plurality⁷ of differently configured cables.

[00272] FIG. 17A is a first perspective view and FIG. 17B is a second perspective view of the example bushing 1700. FIG. 17C is a partially exploded perspective view of the example bushing 1700. FIG. 17D is an axial end view of the example bushing 1700 in a first state, in which a first cable having a first configuration (e.g., a first overall diameter and/or a first wire diameter and/or a first protective cover thickness) is inserted in the bushing 1700. FIG. 17E is an axial end view of the example bushing 1700 in a second state, in which a second cable having a second configuration (e.g., a second overall diameter and/or a second wire diameter and/or a second protective cover thickness) is inserted in the bushing 1700. FIG. 17F is an exploded perspective view⁷ of the example bushing 1700. FIG. 17G is a bottom side view of the example bushing 1700. FIG. 17H is an exploded bottom perspective view of the example bushing 1700. FIG. 171 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 17G of the example bushing 1700. FIG. 17J is an end cross-sectional view taken along line J-J of FIG. 17G of the example bushing 1700. FIG. 17K is a perspective view of the example bushing 1700 and a removable handle 1790, and FIG. 17L is a perspective view of the example bushing 1700 and the removable handle 1790 coupled together.

[00273] The example bushing 1700 includes a bushing body 1720 having a coupling portion 1722 that may be coupled to a cable stripping tool, for example, received in a bushing receptacle of a barrel of a cable stripping tool. In some examples, the coupling portion 1722 provides for the coupling of the example bushing 1700 to the barrel of a dedicated cable stripping tool ( e.g., a cable stripping tool of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015/0089815, published April 2, 2015, titled “Cable Stripper and Cutting Assembly for Stripping Cable,” which is incorporated by reference, or the DEWALT® DCE15 IB 20V MAX XR® Cordless Cable Stnpper Tool, sold by DeWalt Industrial Tool Co. of Towson, Maryland, U.S.A.). In some examples, the coupling portion 1722 provides for the coupling of the example bushing 1700 to an accessory' device, for example, to the bushing receptacle of the barrel of one of the accessory' devices described above. A carriage 1710 is movably coupled to the bushing body 1720. the cable carriage 1710 and bushing body 1720 defining a receiving space 1730 therebetween. A cable may be inserted into the receiving space 1730 and positioned relative to a blade 1726 coupled in the bushing body 1720, to provide for the removal of the protective cover from the cable, based on a position of the cable carriage 1710 relative to the bushing body 1720.

[00274] In the illustrated example the cable carriage 1710 is slidably coupled to the bushing body 1720. A size of the receiving space 1730 can be adjusted according to a size of a corresponding cable by moving the cable carriage 1710 and securing it to the bushing body 1720 at a desired position. In the illustrated example, the cable carriage 1710 includes a first end 1740 and a second end 1742 and a cable-engaging portion 1744 located between the first end 1740 and the second end 1742. The first end 1740 is configured to slidably engage an inner wall 1746 of the bushing body 1720. In the illustrated example the inner wall 1746 includes an elongate protrusion 1748 that engages a recess 1750 in the first end 1740 of the cable carriage 1710. The second end 1742 of the cable carriage 1710 may include a first portion 1760 that is designed and configured to be inserted into a slot 1752 in the bushing body 1720. The first portion 1760 may be slidably and adjustably disposed in the slot 1752. In an example, the first portion 1760 includes an inner surface 1754 and an opposed outer surface 1756. In an example the slot 1752 may be defined by a first surface 1758 and an opposed second surface 1762. In an example, one or more of the inner surface 1754, the outer surface 1756, the first surface 1758 and the second surface 1762 may include a planar surface. In an example, the slot 1752 acts as a guide that allows for the first portion 1760 to slide within the slot 1752 in a first direction and that prevents rotation of the first portion 1760 in a second direction.

[00275] The cable carriage 1710 may be resiliently biased to an extended position, for example, by a spring 1764. In an example the spring 1764 may be adjacent and parallel to the first portion 1760. In an example the spring 1764 may be located between the first portion 1760 and an inner wall 1772 of the bushing body 1720, the first portion 1760 and the inner wall 1772 may act as a spring guide. A first end 1766 of the spring 1764 may be disposed in a recess 1768 in the cable carriage 1710 and a second end 1770 of the spring 1764 may be disposed in a recess 1771 in the bushing body 1720 to thereby secure the first end 1766 and second end 1770.

[00276] In the illustrated example the bushing 1700 includes a set screw 1702 for securing a position of the cable carriage 1710. The set screw 1702 may be threadably engaged in an opening 1704 in the bushing body 1720, for example an opening 1704 in the second surface 1762 of the slot 1752 so that an end 1706 of the set screw 1702 can protrude into the slot 1752 and engage the outer surface 1756 of the first portion 1760 of the cable carriage 1710 to secure the cable carriage 1710 in position. The end 1706 of the set screw 1702 may have any of a variety' of shapes, including flat or pointed for engaging the outer surface 1756 of the first portion 1760. In an example the outer surface 1756 and the end 1706 are substantially flat. In an example, the outer surface 1756 may include a plurality' of detents for engaging the end 1706 of the set screw 1702. The set screw 1702 may include a contoured end 1707 or knob that has a shape that is designed to be gripped by a user’s hand to easily tighten and loosen the set screw 1702 for adjusting a position of the cable carriage 1710 for different-sized cables.

[00277] The cable carriage 1710 may also include a window 1708 for viewing an axial position of an end of a cable positioned within the bushing 1700 which can be useful for positioning a cable in a desired position when adjusting a position of the cable carriage 1710. For example, the window 1708 may be used to view an end of a cable being inserted into the bushing 1700 and for positioning an end of the cable between a front side 1732 and a rear side 1734 of the cable carriage 1710. During adjustment of the cable carriage 1710, it can be beneficial to not over-insert the end of the cable so the end of the cable does not overlap the blade 1726. For example, if a cable is over-inserted and a side of an unstripped cable comes into contact with the blade 1726 during an adjustment of the cable carriage 1710. the cable carriage 1710 may not be adjusted to the correct position, which can impair a subsequent cable stripping process. The window 1708 can, therefore, be used to ensure the end of the cable is adjacent the cable carriage 1710 and not overlapping the blade 1726 when adjusting a position of the cable carriage 1710.

[00278] In an example the bushing 1700 also includes a front plate 1736 that encloses the cable carriage 1710 in the bushing body 1720 and is secured to the bushing body 1720 by one or more fasteners 1738. The bushing 1700 may also include a spare blade recess 1774 for holding one or more spare blades 1776 and a tool holder 1778 for holding a tool 1780 (e.g., a hex wrench) for turning a fastener 1724 to replace the blade 1726 with one of the spare blades 1776. In an example the tool holder 1778 includes an elongate recess 1782 in the bushing body 1720 and an O-ring 1784 located at an end of the elongate recess 1782 by a plate 1786 that is secured to the bushing body 1720 by a fastener 1788.

[00279] FIGs. 17D and 17E illustrate the adjustability of the bushing 1700 for accommodating different-sized cables, with FIG. 17D showing the cable carriage 1710 in a first position, or retracted position, for stripping a first cable 1712 having a relatively small outer diameter and FIG. 17E showing the cable carriage 1710 in a second position, or extended position, that defines a larger receiving space 1730 for stripping a second cable 1714 having a relatively larger outer diameter.

[00280] FIG. 17D is an axial end view of the example bushing 1700, illustrating the cable carriage 1710 positioned at a first distance from the bushing body 1720, to accommodate a first cable 1712with a first diameter inserted in the receiving space 1730 and position the first cable relative to the blade 1726 to provide for the removal of the insulation material from the first cable 1712. FIG. 17E is an axial end view of the example bushing 1700 illustrating the cable carriage 1710 positioned at a second distance from the bushing body 1720. to accommodate a second cable 1714 with a second diameter inserted in the receiving space 1730 and position the second cable 1714 relative to the blade 1726 to provide for the removal of the insulation material from the second cable.

[00281] The example arrangement shown in FIG. 17D may represent a substantially minimum distance between the cable carriage 1710 and the bushing body 1720, or a fully retracted position, corresponding to a substantially minimum receiving space 1730 corresponding to a minimum overall diameter of a cable to be received therein and stripped by the example blade 1726. In this example arrangement, a central axis X’ of the of the receiving space 1730, and a central axis of the first cable 1712 received therein, is offset from, or eccentric to. a central axis X of the example bushing 1700. about which the example bushing 1700 will rotate.

[00282] The example arrangement shown in FIG. 17E may represent a substantially maximum distance between the cable carriage 1710 and the bushing body 1720, or a full extended position, corresponding to a substantially maximum receiving space 1730 corresponding to a maximum overall diameter of a cable to be received therein and stripped by the example blade 1726. In this example arrangement, a central axis X’ of the of the receiving space 1730, and a corresponding central axis of the second cable 1714 received therein, corresponds to, or is substantially coincident with, a central axis X of the example bushing 1700.

[00283] The eccentric positioning of the receiving space 1730 and cable received therein shown in FIG. 17D allows the blade 1726 to establish and maintain contact with the cable, based on a position of the cable carriage 1710 relative to the bushing body 1720. As the bushing 1700 rotates about the central axis X, with the cable received in the receiving space 1730, the protective cover is stripped from the cable, even when the cable is offset from, or eccentrically positioned relative to, the axis of rotation of the bushing 1700. Thus, the example bushing 1700 including the adjustable cable carriage 1710 provides for the stripping of insulation material from a plurality of differently configured cables with the single bushing 1700. This provides an efficient, cost effective, and relatively compact solution for removing the protective cover from a variety of different configurations of cable with a single cable stripping tool. The example bushing 1700 can be coupled to various different cable stripping tools including, for example, a dedicated manual or power-driven cable stripping tool, one of the cable stripping accessory devices described above, and other such cable stripping tools.

[00284] FIGs. 17K and 17L show the example bushing 1700 and a removeable handle 1790 for using the bushing 1700 in a hand-operated manual mode of operation rather than with a powder tool such as power tool 100. The removeable handle 1790 may include an outer wall 1792 defining a hollow" interior portion 1794 in which an end portion of a cable may be received as the outer covering, or jacketing, or insulation is removed by the bushing 1700. The removeable handle 1790 includes a bushing receptacle 1796 at an end portion thereof, for example, a working end portion thereof. A bushing, such as bushing 1700 may be selectively coupled to the bushing receptacle 1796 as shown in FIG. 17L to provide for cable stripping functionality of the example bushing 1700. The removeable handle 1790 may include a bushing lock knob 1798 for coupling to the coupling portion 1722 of the bushing 1700. The outer wall 1792 of the removeable handle 1790 may have a contoured surface that is shaped as a handle to provide an ergonomic grip for hand-held operation by a user. As will be appreciated, the removeable handle 1790 may be coupled to any of a variety of bushings in addition to example bushing 1700, including any of the bushings disclosed herein.

[00285] FIGs. 17M and 17N show another example of a bushing 1701 that is substantially the same as the bushing 1700, including a cable carriage 1711 slidably disposed in a bushing body 1721 and securable in a desired position for a given cable diameter by a set screw 1703. Bushing 1701 includes a tool holder 1779 that differs from the tool holder 1778 of the bushing 1700. The example tool holder 1779 includes a pivoting door 1777 for securing a tool 1781 (e.g., a hex wrench) in the tool holder 1779. The tool 1781 may be used to turn a fastener to remove and replace a blade (not visible in FIGS. 17M and 17N) with a replacement blade 1775.

[00286] FIGs. 18A-18K illustrate an example bushing 1800 that can accommodate a plurality of differently configured cables (e.g., different wire diameters, different protective cover thicknesses, and the like), and provide for the stripping of material, for example, insulation material, from the plurality of differently configured cables. The example bushing 1800 can be coupled to a dedicated manual or power-driven cable stripping tool, and/or to an accessory device, such as one of the accessor}’ devices described herein, for the removal of material, for example insulation material, from a plurality of differently configured cables.

[00287] FIG. 18Ais a top perspective view of the example bushing 1800 and FIG. 18B is an exploded view of the bushing 1800. FIG. 18C is an exploded view of a cable carriage 1810. FIGs. 18D, 18E, and 18F are, respectively, a perspective view, end view, and cross- sectional view of the bushing 1800 with the cable carriage 1810 in a retracted position. FIGs. 18G, 18H, and 181 are, respectively, a perspective view, end view and cross-sectional view' of the bushing 1800 with the cable carriage 1810 in an extended position. FIG. 18J is a bottom perspective view of the example bushing 1800 and FIG. 18K is another bottom perspective view of the example bushing 1800.

[00288] The example bushing 1800 includes a bushing body 1820 having a coupling portion 1822 that may be coupled to a cable stripping tool, for example, received in a bushing receptacle of a barrel of a cable stripping tool. In some examples, the coupling portion 1822 provides for the coupling of the example bushing 1800 to the barrel of a dedicated cable stripping tool (not illustrated). In some examples, the coupling portion 1822 provides for the coupling of the example bushing 1800 to an accessory' device, for example, to the bushing receptacle of the barrel of one of the accessory’ devices described above. A carriage 1810 is movably coupled to the bushing body 1820. the cable carriage 1810 and bushing body 1820 defining a receiving space 1830 therebetween. A cable may be inserted into the receiving space 1830 and positioned relative to a blade 1826 coupled in the bushing body 1820, to provide for the removal of the protective cover from the cable, based on a position of the cable carriage 1810 relative to the bushing body 1820. In an example the blade 1826 is coupled to the bushing body 1820 by a fastener 1880 and disposed next to a removeable blade support 1882 which may also be coupled to the bushing body 1820 by a fastener 1880 (see FIGs. 18J and 18K).

[00289] In the illustrated example the cable carriage 1810 is slidably coupled to the bushing body 1820. A size of the receiving space 1830 can be adjusted according to a size of a corresponding cable by moving the cable carriage 1810 and securing it to the bushing body 1820 at a desired position. In the illustrated example, the cable carriage 1810 includes a first end 1840 and a second end 1842 and a cable-engaging portion 1843 located between the first end 1840 and the second end 1842. In an example the first end 1840 and the second end 1842 include protrusions 1844 that slidably engage corresponding rails 1846 of the bushing body 1820. As shown in, e.g., FIGs. 18B and 18C, the cable carriage 1810 may include a body 1848 that defines openings 1850. The cable carriage 1810 may also include one or more release buttons 1852 slidably disposed in corresponding openings 1850. The release buttons 1852 may selectively engage one or more locking rails 1854 for locking the cable carriage 1810 in a given position relative to the bushing body 1820. The release buttons 1852 may be resiliently biased to a locked position by corresponding springs 1853 disposed in the body 1848 of the carriage 1810. The bushing body 1820 may also include at least one slot 1856 that a corresponding release button 1852 is slidably disposed in. The cable carriage 1810 may be resiliently biased to an extended position by at least one spring 1858.

[00290] In an example the release buttons 1852 and locking rails 1854 define a ratchet mechanism. The locking rails 1854 may include a plurality of teeth 1860 that define a ratchet gear rack. The release buttons 1852 may each include an opening 1862 that a corresponding locking rail 1854 is slidably disposed in. The opening 1862 may include a pawl 1864 that engages the teeth 1860. In an example, the ratchet mechanism allows the cable carriage 1810 to be depressed towards the retracted direction and prevents the cable carriage 1810 from moving in the opposite extended direction. In an example, to move the cable carriage 1810 in the extended direction, a user may depress both of the release buttons 1852 to thereby disengage the pawls 1864 from the teeth 1860 of the locking rails 1854. With the pawls 1864 disengaged, the cable carriage 1810 can be moved in the extended direction. In an example, when the release buttons are depressed the carriage 1810 may automatically move in the extended direction in response to a biasing force from the springs 1858.

[00291] In an example the cable carriage 1810 may include a button 1870 that may include a knurled surface 1872. The button 1870 may be designed for a user to press on the knurled surface 1872 to depress the cable carriage 1810 towards the retracted position. The button 1870 may be fastened to the body 1848 by one or more fasteners 1874. In other examples the body 1848 and button 1870 may be a single unitary member.

[00292] The bushing 1800 may also include a front plate 1857 that may be secured to the bushing body 1820 by one or more fasteners 1859. In an example the front plate 1857 includes at least one stop 1861 that defines an outer extent of travel of the cable carriage 1810. In the illustrated example the release buttons 1852 come into contact with the stops 1861 when the cable carriage 1810 is in a fully extended position.

[00293] FIGs. 18D-18I illustrate the adjustability of the bushing 1800 for accommodating different-sized cables, with FIGs. 18D-18F showing the cable carriage 1810 in a first position, or retracted position, for stripping a cable 1890 having a relatively small outer diameter and FIGs. 18G-18I showing the cable carriage 1810 in a second position, or extended position, that defines a larger receiving space 1830 for stripping a cable 1892 having a relatively larger outer diameter.

[00294] FIG. 18D is a perspective view, FIG. 18E is an axial end view, and FIG. 18F is a cross-sectional view of the example bushing 1800, illustrating the cable carriage 1810 positioned at a first distance from the bushing body 1820. to accommodate the first cable 1890 with a first diameter inserted in the receiving space 1830 and position the first cable relative to the blade 1826 to provide for the removal of the insulation material from the first cable 1890.

[00295] FIG. 18G is a perspective view, FIG. 18H is an axial end view, and FIG. 181 is a cross-sectional view of the example bushing 1800, illustrating the cable carriage 1810 positioned at a second distance from the bushing body 1820, to accommodate a second cable 1892 with a second diameter inserted in the receiving space 1830 and position the second cable 1892 relative to the blade 1826 to provide for the removal of the insulation material from the second cable.

[00296] The example arrangement shown in FIGs. 18D-18F may represent a substantially minimum distance between the cable carriage 1810 and the bushing body 1820, or a fully retracted position, corresponding to a substantially minimum receiving space 1830 corresponding to a minimum overall diameter of a cable to be received therein and stripped by the example blade 1826. In this example arrangement, a central axis X’ of the of the receiving space 1830, and a central axis of a first cable received therein, is offset from, or eccentric to, a central axis X of the example bushing 1800, about which the example bushing 1800 will rotate.

[00297] The example arrangement shown in FIGs. 18G-18I may represent a substantially maximum distance between the cable carriage 1810 and the bushing body 1820, or a fully extended position, corresponding to a substantially maximum receiving space 1830 corresponding to a maximum overall diameter of a cable to be received therein and stripped by the example blade 1826. In this example arrangement, a central axis X’ of the of the receiving space 1830, and a corresponding central axis of a second cable received therein, corresponds to, or is substantially coincident with, a central axis X of the example bushing 1800.

[00298] The eccentric positioning of the receiving space 1830 and cable 1890 received therein shown in FIGs. 18D-18F allows the blade 1826 to establish and maintain contact with the cable, based on a position of the cable carriage 1810 relative to the bushing body 1820. As the bushing 1800 rotates about the central axis X, with the cable received in the receiving space 1830, the protective cover is stripped from the cable, even when the cable is offset from, or eccentrically positioned relative to, the axis of rotation of the bushing 1800. Thus, the example bushing 1800 including the adjustable cable carriage 1810 provides for the stripping of insulation material from a plurality⁷ of differently configured cables with the single bushing 1800. This provides an efficient, cost effective, and relatively compact solution for removing the protective cover from a variety of different configurations of cable with a single cable stripping tool. The example bushing 1800 can be coupled to various different cable stripping tools including, for example, a dedicated manual or power-driven cable stripping tool, one of the cable stripping accessory devices described above, and other such cable stripping tools.

[00299] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example implementations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[00300] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to." or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[00301] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first," "second." and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example implementations.

[00302] Terms of degree such as "generally," "substantially," "approximately," and "about" may be used herein when describing the relative positions, sizes, dimensions, or values of various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These terms mean that such relative positions, sizes, dimensions, or values are within the defined range or comparison (e.g., equal or close to equal) with sufficient precision as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in the context of the various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections being described.

[00303] While certain features of the described implementations have been illustrated as described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the scope of the implementations. It should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, not limitation, and various changes in form and details may be made. Any portion of the apparatus and/or methods described herein may be combined in any combination, except mutually exclusive combinations. The implementations described herein can include various combinations and/or sub-combinations of the functions, components and/or features of the different implementations described.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A bushing assembly for a cable stripping tool, comprising: a bushing body configured to be coupled to a rotating member of a cable stripping tool; a coupling portion provided on the bushing body and configured to couple the bushing body to a barrel of the cable stripping tool; a blade coupled in the bushing body and configured to remove a protective cover from a cable received in the bushing body as the bushing body rotates; and a cable guiding device coupled to the bushing body and configured to position a cable into the bushing body so as to contact the blade, wherein the cable guiding device is selectively adjustable by a user to a plurality of different positions in the bushing body to accommodate a plurality of differently configured cables.

2. The bushing assembly of claim 1, wherein the cable guiding device includes: a plurality' of jaws coupled in the bushing body, wherein each of the plurality of jaws has a rod-shaped main body that extends longitudinally into the bushing body, and each of the plurality of jaws has a tapered front end portion configured to guide a cable, of the plurality of differently configured cables, into a receiving space in a central area defined by the plurality of jaws; and a plurality of radially oriented biasing members coupling the plurality of jaws in the bushing body, such that each of the plurality of jaws is biased radially inward, wherein each of the plurality of jaws is configured to move radially outward in response to insertion of a cable, of the plurality of differently configured cables, into the receiving space.

3. The bushing assembly of claim 1, wherein the cable guiding device includes: an adapter removably coupled to the bushing body, wherein the adapter includes: a flange portion; a guide opening formed in the flange portion; and a guide portion extending from the flange portion, at a position corresponding to the guide opening in the flange portion, wherein the guide opening and the guide portion are configured to guide the cable into the bushing body, wherein the adapter is one of a plurality of adapters, and wherein the guide opening of each of the plurality of adapters is differently sized and differently positioned to guide insertion of a plurality of differently configured cables into the bushing body to maintain contact with the blade in the bushing body.

4. The bushing assembly of claim 1, wherein the cable guiding device includes: a cable carriage; an adjustment rod threadably coupled between a first peripheral portion of the bushing body and a first peripheral portion of the cable carriage to movably couple the cable carriage to the bushing body; and a guide rod provided at a second peripheral portion of the bushing body, slidably received in a guide recess formed at a second peripheral portion of the cable carriage, to guide linear movement of the cable carriage relative to the bushing body, wherein the bushing body and the cable carriage define a receiving space therebetween configured to accommodate a cable received in the bushing body, and wherein the cable carriage is movable to a plurality of positions relative to the bushing body in response to manipulation of the adjustment rod, to accommodate a plurality of differently configured cables, and to position the plurality of differently configured cables in contact with the blade.

5. The bushing assembly of claim 1, wherein the cable guiding device includes: a sleeve fitted around the bushing body; an annular collar selectively engaged with an end portion of the sleeve; a first roller assembly movably coupled in a first recess in the bushing body, with a first pin extending into a first arcuate slot formed in the annular collar; a second roller assembly movably coupled in a second recess in the bushing body, with a second pin extending into a second arcuate slot formed in the annular collar; and a blade carriage movably coupled to the bushing body, with a third pin extending from the blade carriage through a third arcuate slot formed in the annular collar; wherein the first pin, the second pin, and the third pin move in the first arcuate slot, the second arcuate slot, and the third arcuate slot, respectively, in response to rotation of the annular collar; wherein the first roller assembly, and the second roller assembly move radially in response to rotation of the annular collar and movement of the first, second and third pins in the first, second and third arcuate slots, to position a cable in the bushing body relative to the blade.

6. The bushing assembly of claim 1, wherein the cable guiding device includes: a sleeve fitted around the bushing body; an annular collar selectively engaged with an end portion of the sleeve; a first jaw and a second jaw movably mounted in the bushing body by a linkage assembly so as to define a receiving space therebetween; a first pin extending from the first jaw into a first arcuate slot formed in the annular collar; a second pin extending from the second jaw into a second arcuate slot formed in the annular collar; and a blade carriage coupled to the first jaw such that the blade carriage and the blade coupled thereto move together with the first jaw, wherein the first pin and the second pin move in the first arcuate slot and the second arcuate slot, respectively, in response to rotation of the annular collar, and wherein the first jaw and the second jaw move in response to rotation of the annular collar and movement of the first and second pins in the first and second arcuate slots, to position a cable in the bushing body relative to the blade.

7. The bushing assembly of claim 1, wherein the cable guiding device includes: a cap removably coupled to the bushing body, the cap including: a cap body; a guide opening formed in the cap body; a guide portion extending from the cap body, at a position corresponding to the guide opening, with a helical adjustment groove defined in an outer circumferential surface of the guide portion; and a tapered portion extending from the guide portion; and an adjustment pin extending through the bushing body and engaged in the helical adjustment groove, wherein the tapered portion contacts a blade mounting bracket to adjust a position of the blade in response to rotation of the cap, and wherein the cap is one of a plurality of caps, and wherein the guide opening and the guide portion of each of the plurality of caps is differently sized to guide insertion of a plurality of differently configured cables into the bushing body to maintain contact with the blade in the bushing body.

8. The bushing assembly of claim 7, further comprising an insert defining the guide portion and the tapered portion of the cap, with the insert coupled in the guide opening formed in the cap body, wherein the insert is one of a plurality of differently sized inserts configured to accommodate a plurality of differently sized cables.

9. The bushing assembly of claim 1, wherein the cable guiding device includes: a cable carriage; and an adjuster coupled between the bushing body and the cable carriage to movably couple the cable carriage to the bushing body, wherein the bushing body and the cable carriage define a receiving space therebetween configured to accommodate a cable received in the bushing assembly, and wherein the cable carriage is movable to a plurality of positions relative to the bushing body in response to manipulation of the adjuster, to position the cable in contact with the blade coupled in the bushing body.

10. The bushing assembly of claim 9, wherein the plurality of positions of the cable carriage relative to the bushing body are configured to accommodate a plurality of differently configured cables, and to position the plurality of differently configured cables in contact w ith the blade coupled in the bushing body.

11. The bushing assembly of claim 9, wherein the adjuster comprises an adjustment rod that extends betw een a first peripheral portion of the bushing body and a first peripheral portion of the cable carriage, and wherein the bushing assembly further comprises: a guide rod provided at a second peripheral portion of the bushing body; and a guide recess provided at a second peripheral portion of the cable carriage, wherein the guide rod is slidably received in the guide recess, to guide linear movement of the cable carriage relative to the bushing body.

12. The bushing assembly of claim 11, wherein the cable carriage is threadably coupled to the adjustment rod.

13. The bushing assembly of claim 9, wherein the adjuster comprises: a rack gear coupled to the cable carriage; and a pinion coupled to a selection device and engaged with the rack gear, and configured to rotate in response to manipulation of the selection device, wherein rotation of the pinion in a first direction draws the cable carriage in a first direction toward the bushing body, and rotation of the pinion in a second direction draws the cable carriage in a second direction away from the bushing body.

14. The bushing assembly of claim 13. further comprising: a first tooth plate formed on the selection device; and a second tooth plate coupled to the bushing body, wherein a mating surface of the first tooth plate selectively engages a mating surface of the second tooth plate to maintain a selected position of the cable carriage relative to the bushing body.

15. The bushing assembly of any of claims 9-14, wherein a central axis of the cable at at least one of the plurality of positions of the cable carriage relative to the bushing body is offset from an axis of rotation of the bushing assembly.

16. The bushing assembly of any of claims 9-14, wherein a position of the blade and a position of the cable carriage are adjusted in response to manipulation of the adjuster.

17. The bushing assembly of claim 1, further comprising: an adapter removably coupled to the bushing body, wherein the adapter includes: a flange portion; a guide opening formed in the flange portion; and a guide portion extending from the flange portion, at a position corresponding to the guide opening in the flange portion, wherein the guide opening and the guide portion are configured to guide the cable into the bushing body.

18. The bushing assembly of claim 17, wherein the adapter is one of a plurality of adapters, and wherein the guide opening of each of the plurality of adapters is differently sized and differently positioned to guide insertion of a plurality of differently configured cables into the bushing body to maintain contact with the blade in the bushing body.

19. The bushing assembly of claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of adapters includes: a first opening at a first peripheral portion of the flange portion; a second opening formed at a second peripheral portion of the guide portion; and a fastener removably coupling the adapter to the bushing body via one of the first opening or the second opening and into a corresponding opening formed in a mating surface of the bushing body.

20. The bushing assembly of claim 19. wherein the first opening is at a first position relative to a centerline of the flange portion, and the second opening is at a second position relative to the centerline of the flange portion, such that a coupling of the adapter to the bushing body via the first opening positions the cable at a first position relative to the blade, and a coupling of the adapter to the bushing body via the second opening positions the cable at a second position relative to the blade.

21. The bushing assembly of claim 1, wherein the cable guiding device includes: a cable carriage that includes a first portion slidably disposed in a slot of the bushing body; and a set screw threadably coupled to the bushing body and configured to engage the first portion of the cable carriage; wherein the cable carriage is movable to a plurality of positions relative to the bushing body to accommodate a plurality of differently configured cables, and to position the plurality of differently configured cables in contact with the blade.

22. The bushing assembly of claim 21, wherein the cable carriage is resiliency biased to an extended position.

23. The bushing assembly of claim 1, wherein the cable guiding device includes: a cable carriage slidably coupled to the bushing body; and a ratchet mechanism for selectively locking the cable carriage in a position relative to the bushing body; wherein the cable carriage is movable to a plurality of positions relative to the bushing body to accommodate a plurality of differently configured cables, and to position the plurality of differently configured cables in contact with the blade.

24. The bushing assembly of claim 23, wherein the ratchet mechanism includes: a release button slidably disposed in the cable carriage; and a locking rail that includes a plurality’ of teeth; wherein the release button includes a pawl that is resiliently biased into engagement with the locking rail.

25. A bushing assembly for a cable stripping tool, comprising: a bushing body configured to be coupled to a rotating member of a cable stripping tool; a coupling portion provided on the bushing body and configured to couple the bushing body to a barrel of the cable stripping tool; a blade coupled to and configured to rotate with the bushing body; and a first cable support and a second cable support movably coupled to the bushing body and spaced angularly from each other and from the blade, wherein the first cable support and the second cable support are movable in response to insertion of a cable into the bushing body to align a plurality of sizes of cables with the blade so that when the bushing body rotates, the blade is configured to remove a protective cover from the cable, and wherein, for at least one size of cable, the first and second cable supports are configured to align the cable such that an axis of the cable is offset from a central axis of the bushing body.

26. The bushing assembly of claim 25, wherein the first cable support and the second cable support each comprise a jaw.

27. The bushing assembly of claim 25. wherein the first cable support and the second cable support each comprise a low friction support member.

28. The bushing assembly of claim 27, wherein the low friction support member defining the first cable support and the second cable support is at least one of a pin or a ball.

29. The bushing assembly of claim 25, wherein the first cable support and the second cable support are biased generally toward the blade.

30. The bushing assembly of claim 25, wherein the first cable support and the second cable support each comprise a plurality' of balls that are biased toward the blade.

31. The bushing assembly of any of claims 1-30, further comprising a blade adjustment device configured to adjust a position of the blade in the bushing body.

32. The bushing assembly of claim 31, wherein the blade is coupled in a frame coupled to the bushing body, wherein the blade adjustment device includes a plurality of slots formed in the frame, each of the plurality of slots including at least one opening to which the blade is selectively coupleable to adjust a position of the blade relative to the cable.

33. The bushing assembly of any of claims 1-32, wherein the bushing assembly includes a window for viewing an axial position of a cable positioned in the bushing assembly.

34. An accessory device for a power tool comprising: an accessory housing; an input shaft extending along a first axis and at least partially received in a first portion of the accessory ■ housing, the input shaft configured to be coupled to a power tool to transmit torque from the power tool; a barrel at a second portion of the accessory housing and configured to rotate about a second axis, which is offset from the first axis, in response to rotation of the input shaft, the barrel including a first end portion and a second end portion; a bushing interchangeably couplable to the first end portion and the second end portion of the barrel so as to rotate together with the barrel; and a blade coupled in the bushing and configured to remove a protective cover from a cable received in the bushing as the barrel and the bushing rotate.

35. The accessory' device of claim 34, wherein the second axis is substantially parallel to the first axis.

36. The accessory device of claim 34, wherein the second axis is transverse to the first axis.

37. The accessory device of claim 34, further comprising a depth stop, wherein: in a first mode, the bushing is coupled to one of the first end portion or the second end portion of the barrel, and the depth stop is coupled to the other of the first end portion or the second portion of the barrel, so as to selectively restrict a length of cable inserted into the barrel through the bushing and received in the barrel, and in a second mode, the bushing is coupled to one of the first end portion or the second end portion of the barrel, and the other of the first end portion or the second end portion of the barrel remains open, such that a length of cable inserted into the barrel through the bushing and received in the barrel is not restricted.

38. The accessory device of claim 34, further comprising a depth stop selectively couplable to the barrel and configured to restrict a length of cable received in the barrel, wherein the depth stop includes: a housing couplable to one of the first end portion or the second end portion of the barrel; and an adjustment device coupled to the housing, including a knob and a shank portion extending from the knob, into the housing, wherein the shank portion extends a selected depth into the barrel in response to a manipulation of the knob, such that a distal end portion of the shank portion restricts a length of cable received through the bushing and into the barrel.

39. The accessory device of claim 34, further comprising: a depth stop selectively couplable to the barrel to selectively restrict a length of cable received in the barrel through the bushing, wherein: in a first mode, the bushing is coupled to one of a first end portion or a second end portion of the barrel, and the depth stop is coupled to the other of the first end portion or the second end portion of the barrel, so as to selectively restrict the length of the cable inserted into the barrel through the bushing and received in the barrel, and in a second mode, the bushing is coupled to one of the first end portion or the second end portion of the barrel, and the other of the first end portion or the second end portion of the barrel remains open, such that the length of the cable inserted into the barrel through the bushing and received in the barrel is not restricted.

40. The accessory device of claim 39, wherein the input shaft rotates about a first axis, and the barrel rotates about a second axis that is offset from, and substantially parallel to, the first axis.

41. The accessory device of claim 39, wherein the input shaft rotates about a first axis, and the barrel rotates about a second axis that is offset from, and transverse to, the first axis.

42. The accessory device of claim 39, further comprising a transmission configured to transmit torque from the input shaft to the barrel, wherein an output speed of the barrel is less than an input speed of the input shaft.

43. The accessory’ device of claim 39, wherein the depth stop includes: a housing configured to be coupled in the first end portion or the second end portion of the barrel; and an adjustment device coupled to the housing, the adjustment device including: a knob positioned outside of the housing of the depth stop; and a shank portion extending from the knob, and into the housing of the depth stop, wherein the shank portion extends a selected depth into the barrel in response to a manipulation of the knob, such that a distal end portion of the shank portion restricts a length of cable received through the bushing and into the barrel.

44. The accessory device of claim 43, further comprising a locking mechanism that secures a selected position of the shank portion in the barrel, wherein the locking mechanism includes: a body portion positioned in an opening in the housing of the depth stop; and a pin threadably engaged in an opening extending through the body portion, wherein a distal end portion of the pin selectively engages the shank portion to fix a position of the shank portion of the depth stop in the barrel in response to a manipulation of the pin.

45. The accessory device of any of claims 34-44, further comprising: a speed reduction transmission received in the accessory' housing; and an input shaft at least partially received in a first end portion of the accessory housing and configured to be coupled to a power tool to transmit a rotary force from the power tool to the speed reduction transmission; wherein the bushing is adjustable to receive a plurality' of differently configured cables therein for removal, by a blade coupled to the bushing, of a protective cover from the plurality of differently configured cables.

46. The accessory' device of claim 45, wherein the bushing provides for at least one of an adjustment of a position of a cable to a plurality of different positions within the bushing, or an adjustment of a position of the blade relative to the cable within the bushing.

47. The accessory device of claim 46, wherein a central axis of the cable at the plurality' of different positions within the bushing is substantially coaxial with an axis of rotation of the bushing.

48. The accessory device of claim 46, wherein a central axis of the cable at at least one of the plurality' of different positions within the bushing is offset from an axis of rotation of the bushing.

49. The accessory device of any of claims 34-44, further comprising a transmission received in the accessory' housing and configured to transmit torque from the input shaft to the barrel, wherein an output speed of the barrel is less than an input speed of the input shaft.

50. The accessory device of claim 49, wherein the transmission includes: an input gear in meshed engagement with a pinion gear on the input shaft and configured to rotate in response to rotation of the input shaft; a first spur gear coupled to the input gear and configured to rotate in response to rotation of the input gear; a second spur gear in meshed engagement with the first spur gear and configured to rotate in response to rotation of the first spur gear: and idler gears in meshed engagement between the second spur gear and an output gear coupled to the barrel, wherein the barrel is configured to rotate in response to rotation of the second spur gear.

51. The accessory device of claim 49, wherein the transmission includes: a first planetaiy gear set coupled to the input shaft and configured to receive the torque from the power tool; a second planetary gear set configured to rotate in response to rotation of the first planetary gear set; a first output gear configured to rotate in response to rotation of the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set; and an idler gear in meshed engagement between the first output gear and a second output gear mounted on an outer circumferential portion of the barrel such that the barrel rotates together with the second output gear in response to rotation of the first output gear.

52. The accessorj' device of claim 49, wherein the transmission includes: a worm gear that rotates together with the input shaft in response to the torque from the power tool; and a worm wheel mounted on an outer circumferential portion of the barrel and in meshed engagement with the worm gear, such that the barrel rotates together with the worm wheel in response to rotation of the worm gear.

53. The accessory device of claim 49, wherein the transmission includes: a first planetar}- gear set coupled to the input shaft and configured to receive the torque from the power tool; a second planetary gear set configured to rotate in response to rotation of the first planetary gear set; an input bevel gear configured to rotate in response to rotation of the first planetar}’ gear set and the second planetar}' gear set; and an output bevel gear mounted on an outer circumferential portion of the barrel and in meshed engagement with the input bevel gear, such that the barrel rotates together with the output bevel gear in response to rotation of the input bevel gear.