Abstract: A method and apparatus for training one or more workers to work in a wire environment are provided. The apparatus may have a mobile platform. The apparatus may have a first training aid coupleable to the mobile platform, wherein the first training aid is configured to be moved from a transport position to a training position and a second training aid coupleable to the mobile platform, wherein the second training aid is configured to be moved from the transport position to the training position. In the training position, the first training aid and the second training aid provide a training work location that is elevated above the mobile platform for work to be performed by the one or more workers on an aerial vehicle and in the transport position the first training aid and the second training aid may be transported on the mobile platform on a highway.

Abstract: A boom mountable robotic arm for temporarily supporting an elongate conductor includes a rigid member such as a beam or beam assembly adapted for mounting onto the upper end of a boom for example using a boom adaptor, at least one electrically insulated support post mounted to the rigid member, where each post temporarily supports an elongate electrical conductor, and at least two rotation devices for selectively controllable rotation of the rigid member and the electrically insulated support posts about at least two corresponding axes of rotation.

Abstract: A manipulator for separating sub-conductors in an energized single phase bundle includes a rigid support member and first and second actuators mounted on the support member, wherein each actuator is independently actuable of the other. Insulators are mounted on each actuator. A selectively releasable coupler is mounted on each insulator for selectively releasable coupling of each insulator to a corresponding sub-conductor. The actuators extend corresponding insulators independently of one another from the support member to thereby separate from each other by an optimized separation distance the distal ends of each insulator. When the corresponding sub-conductors of the single phase bundle are releasably coupled to the corresponding distal ends of the insulators the surge impedance loading of the single phase bundle may be improved by separation of the corresponding distal ends of the insulators and the sub-conductors by the optimized separation distance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling and/or stringing energized conductor for a high voltage power line conductor for a high voltage power line is provided. The method includes bringing components and workers to the same electrical potential and transferring power from one contractor to another. Associated apparatus is also described.

Abstract: A soil removal apparatus in one embodiment has a motive power unit and an excavator joined to the motive power unit by a coupler, the excavator extending laterally of the motive power unit. The coupler includes a manipulator for manipulating the excavator to loosen and displace soil material in a path lateral to a path of movement of the motive power unit. The method relates to undercutting an object with a motive power unit, selectively halting and moving the motive power unit, and loosening and displacing soil lateral to the path of travel of the motive power unit.

Abstract: A boom mountable robotic arm for temporarily supporting an elongate conductor includes a rigid member such as a beam or beam assembly adapted for mounting onto the upper end of a boom for example using a boom adaptor, at least one electrically insulated support post mounted to the rigid member, where each post temporarily supports an elongate electrical conductor, and at least two rotation devices for selectively controllable rotation of the rigid member and the electrically insulated support posts about at least two corresponding axes of rotation.

Abstract: A boom mountable robotic arm for temporarily supporting an elongate conductor includes a rigid member such as a beam or beam assembly adapted for mounting onto the upper end of a boom for example using a boom adaptor, at least one electrically insulated support post mounted to the rigid member, where each post temporarily supports an elongate electrical conductor, and at least two rotation devices for selectively controllable rotation of the rigid member and the electrically insulated support posts about at least two corresponding axes of rotation.

Abstract: A conductor supporting assembly includes a pair of yokes having a pair of cables extending therebetween in spaced parallel array. Actuators tension the cables so as to selectively draw the yokes toward each other along the cables. Grips cooperate with yokes for mounting the yokes in spaced apart array to and along a conductor segment of a conductor to be serviced so as to extend the conductor segment along and substantially medially between the yokes. The drawing of the yokes toward each other thereby de-tensions the conductor segment to allow for repair or service.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling and/or stringing energized conductor for a high voltage power line conductor for a high voltage power line is provided. The method includes bringing components and workers to the same electrical potential and transferring power from one contractor to another. Associated apparatus is also described.