Abstract: An embodiment of the indention includes a passive, fiber optic, thermal insulator. The thermal insulator includes an inner sleeve defining a central access port. The thermal insulator includes an outer sleeve concentric to the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are joined sufficient to define an annular void. The thermal insulator includes a first insulator located in the annular void. Optionally, the apparatus includes at least one optical fiber secured in the central access port.

Abstract: A dielectric cover for an insulator and conductor in an electrical distribution includes an insulator cover for covering the insulator, an arm for covering a portion of the conductor extending from under the insulator cover, and an arm adapter for securing the arm to the insulator cover. The arm adapter has a raised outer first rib, and the arm has a raised outer second rib and an inner first groove. The lineman positions the insulator cover and arm adapter over the insulator, such as by using a hotstick. Then, the lineman slides the arm down over the arm adapter so that the first rib enters the first groove to secure the arm to the arm adapter. Retaining pins are then inserted through holes in the insulator cover and arm to secure the dielectric cover over the insulator and conductor. The arm's raised second rib acts as a water dam to prevent flashovers.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for transmitting insulator on-site monitoring data backup, comprising establishing connections between CPU and communication module, and between communication module and backup terminal, such that leak current data of horizontal and inclined insulators, and environmental humidity data are transmitted to backup terminal for storage to perform the backup; the number of CPUs matches that of backup terminals; each CPU is connected with all backup terminals through a corresponding communication module; CPU is also connected with flash memory. By incorporating other structures and methods, the invention effectively solves the problems in the existing data transmission mode that the data volume of data transmission in a set time and effect of transmission capacity of the communication module on data transmission, i.e.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a component of a power distribution system against wildlife, the apparatus comprising a cover having a first wall and a second wall, the first wall and the second wall being spaced apart to receive part of the component; the first wall having an opening for receiving a pin; and a cantilever mount at the opening for supporting the pin in the first wall. Various configurations of cantilever mount and pin may be used. Opposing pins in opposing walls may be used. The pins may extend towards each other and may or may not meet.

Abstract: For protecting wildlife from high voltage conductors proximate to a utility pole, dielectric covers are used to cover fuse cutouts, bushings, or other connections to insulators. Such covers include a vertical slot for receiving an energized wire so the cover can be installed using a hot-stick while the wire is energized. To eliminate leakage currents flowing across the cover under high voltage conditions, which previously led to localized melting of the cover, inner walls of the cover are molded that are laterally separated from the outer walls of the cover. The double wall design eliminates leakage currents due to the extra dielectric wall and air gap, and the inner wall is not subject to contamination from conductive pollutants. The double wall design also increases the insulating properties of the cover.

Abstract: A wire harness includes at least two electrical wires, and a connection unit via which each of the at least two electrical wires are connected. The connection unit includes a circuit board connected to the at least two electrical wires, and a conductor member extending downward from the circuit board, the conductor member being electrically connected to a ground pattern on the circuit board. The connection unit is attached to a vehicle body in a state where the conductor member is in contact with a grounding conductor formed on the vehicle body when the connection unit is disposed on the vehicle body. Therefore, the circuit board can be directly connected to the ground via the conductor member only by disposing the connection unit on the vehicle body.

Abstract: A fuse cutout cover is disclosed that allows a lineman to engage a metal hook assembly and pull ring of the cutout with a loadbreak tool at a wide range of angles, while the cover still prevents electrocution of wildlife. A first portion of the cover has a vertical opening for receiving the wire. A second portion has a substantially flat roof portion that covers the top portion of the fuse, the hook assembly, and the pull ring. The hook assembly and pull ring are laterally exposed by the cover to allow the loadbreak tool to engage the hook assembly and pull ring at a wide range of angles. Another feature of the cover is multiple sets of through-holes for securing pins so that the pin locations can be optimized for ceramic insulators and narrower polymer insulators.

Abstract: A system for mounting a sensor to a power line is provided. The sensor configured to simultaneously measure voltage and current. The system includes a first hot line clamp configured to couple with the power line. A first spacer member is provided having a length and is coupled to the first hot line clamp. A plate is coupled to the sensor and the first spacer member. A current clamp is coupled to the plate and operably coupled between the sensor and the power line. Wherein the first hot line clamp, the first spacer member, the plate and the sensor cooperate in operation to measure the line to ground voltage of the power line. Wherein the current clamp and the sensor cooperate in operation to measure the current of the power line.

Abstract: An insulator for notifying an animal when an electric fence is provided. The insulator may include a clip for attaching the insulator to the fence. Metal contact points may draw power from the electric fence when the fence is active, or the insulator may be powered through induction. The insulator may also include a circuit board or controller that receives power from the fence and translates it into an output directed to a notification device. The notification device may comprise a light that produces a visual notification or a speaker that produces an audible notification.

Abstract: Novel and advantageous insulator discs with embedded resonator coils are provided. By linking the insulator discs in a series using an appropriate mechanical mechanism, the insulator discs form an insulator or insulator string for a high power transmission line system. The resonator coils embedded inside the insulator discs therefore form a series of relay resonators that can be used for wireless power transfer through the principle of near-field magnetic coupling and resonance. The insulator string can provide the simultaneous functions of voltage insulation and wireless power transfer over the length of the string. Applications include, but not limited to, wireless power transfer in a high-voltage environment such as that encountered in high-voltage power transmission line systems.

Abstract: For protecting wildlife from high voltage conductors proximate to a utility pole, dielectric covers are used to cover fuse cutouts, bushings, solid-blade disconnects, lightning arrestors, or other connections to insulators. Such covers include a vertical slot for receiving an energized wire so the cover can be installed using a hot-stick while the wire is energized. The vertical slot substantially faces the utility pole. To prevent squirrels storing nuts in the cover via the vertical slot, a squirrel guard is fitted over the top of the cover to block access to the vertical slot in the cover. The guard has a second vertical slot for receiving the wire so can be installed while the wire is energized. The guard may be customized for the particular cover used with it. Retaining pins secure the guard and cover in place.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring alternating current (AC) voltage of an insulated conductor (e.g., insulated wire) are provided, without requiring a galvanic connection between the conductor and a test electrode or probe. A non-galvanic contact (or “non-contact”) voltage measurement system includes a plurality of conductive sensors which capacitively couple with the insulated conductor. At least one processor receives signals indicative of the voltages at the conductive sensors due to the AC voltage in the insulated conductor, and determines the AC voltage in the insulated conductor based at least in part on the received signals.

Abstract: An overhead power line insulator comprises a dielectric element (4) having an outside surface forming a skirt (5) with a head extended by a metal attachment fitting (7) for attaching the insulator, and a device for detecting surface leakage current flowing on the dielectric (4), the device comprising a conductive ring (8) that surrounds the fitting (7) and that is in contact with the outside surface of the dielectric (4). An electrically insulating protective element (10) is provided in the form of a collared bushing that surrounds the fitting (7), being interposed between the ring (8) and the fitting (7) and extending radially so as to overlie the ring (8) in order to protect it from environmental pollution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method measures and analyzes DC current passing through a substantially insulating member or dielectric material that is electrically connected to, or otherwise conductive, between an energized DC electrical transmission line and an Earth potential or ground. An apparatus may utilize a DC current measuring device, a DC voltage level selection switch, a DC display, a graphical display of momentary leakage current, and an audio speaker. A process may entail extending a substantially insulating member or dielectric material between an energized DC electrical transmission line and an Earth potential, detecting a DC momentary leakage current, using a DC momentary leakage current meter to measure DC current through the member or material, and a computer to analyze and compare the DC current, and deliver results or a warning that the DC current has reached a threshold value.

Abstract: An electrical system (1) for a three-phase alternating current network, comprising a transformer (20U, 20V, 20W) with a primary side (30U, 30V, 30W) and a secondary side for each phase (U, V, W) of the alternating current network; a separate transformer housing (60U, 60V, 60W) for each transformer (20U . . . W); and a switching assembly (100) connected to the transformers (20U . . . W); wherein the primary side (30U . . . W) and/or the secondary side has a main winding (21, 22, 23) and a regulating winding (31, 32, 33) in each phase; the switching assembly (100) is designed such that it can connect each regulating winding (31, 32, 33) with each of the main windings (21, 22, 23); and the switching assembly (100) is arranged in one of the transformer housings (60U . . . W) or in an own switch housing (70).

Abstract: A circuit breaker system has an SF6 tank having a wall, and an SF6 heating system. The SF6 heating system includes a heater disposed externally of the tank, and a radiator disposed on the wall inside the SF6 tank. The radiator is thermally coupled to the heater via the wall. The heating system is constructed to conduct heat from the heater through the wall to the radiator. The radiator is constructed to radiate the heat to the SF6 in the tank. A circuit breaker system has an SF6 tank having a wall, and a particle trap. The particle trap has a spar extending radially inward from the wall and a wing extending outward from each side of the spar. Each wing is spaced apart from the wall and forms a region having no electric field at the bottom of the tank adjacent the spar.

Abstract: A method of increasing accuracy of optical sensors based on generating two sets of light waves having different velocities in the presence of a non-vanishing measurand field within a sensing element of the sensor is described. A defined static bias phase shift is introduced between the two sets of light waves. The sensor converts a total optical phase shift including static bias optical phase shifts and measurand-induced optical phase shifts into anti-phase optical power changes in at least two detector channels. The method includes steps of normalizing the optical power changes after their conversion into electrical detector signals in the two detector channels to reduce effects of uneven intensity or power of the light source and different loss or gain in the detector channels. Further methods, sensors and apparatus for temperature stabilizing such optical sensors and novel sensors are also presented.

Abstract: A wireless sensor apparatus for determining and reporting the status of an electrical wire, said sensor apparatus comprising: an electrically insulated housing; a non-contact electrical energy harvesting device, said energy harvest device disposed within said housing, said energy harvesting device comprising an electric current detector and voltage detector; an electric power source, said power source operatively connected to said energy harvesting device; a microcontroller, said microcontroller operably connected to said power source; a mechanically rigid base, said base operably connected to said housing and to said at least one strain gauge, said at least one strain gauge operably connected to said power source and to said microcontroller; a wireless data transmission antenna, said wireless data transmission antenna operably connected to said power source and to said microprocessor; a visual indicator, said visual indicator operably connected to said power source and to said microcontroller.

Abstract: Locking device made as a nut (111) provided with an axial threaded seat or bore (115) or as a bolt (11) provided with a cylindrical axial threaded stem (15), comprising a body (13; 113; 213) in which a guide portion (17; 217) is defined, which may also be an engaging portion, for an actuating wrench for rotating the nut or bolt when the device is to be engaged onto a threaded stem or into a threaded seat or bore, respectively, wherein the guide portion (17; 217) comprises a hollow cap (19; 219), and wherein the guide portion (17; 217) comprises at least one face (27) which is concave relative to a transverse plane and in that the cap (19; 219) comprises in its inside at least one complementary convex face (29).

Abstract: A fuse cutout assembly cover including an insulator cover end for positioning over a cutout assembly insulator and including a shield end for shielding a cutout upper contact assembly. An intermediate portion between the insulator cover end and the shield end can have detents for retaining the cover in place on the fuse cutout assembly. The fuse cutout cover can include a plurality of hole and slot arrangements to provide multiple access sites for an installation tool such as a shotgun stick or other hot stick tool. Methods of manufacturing fuse cutout assembly covers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Harness systems for a mining vehicle are disclosed. One system includes a first harness having a first plurality of wires coupled together and a first length. The system further comprises a second harness having a second plurality of wires coupled together and a second length, wherein at least one of the first plurality of wires is conductively coupled to at least one of the second plurality of wires. The second length spans a distance no greater than the first length. The second harness may be placed in a high risk area, which may be selected based upon at least one of one or more characteristics of the mining vehicle or a location of the high risk area within the mining vehicle.

Abstract: A rotary auger support stand for mounting and removably holding a articles or devices upright on the ground. The stand includes an upright rod with a helical coil or flights forming an auger base having a point at the lower distal end to be fixedly and removably screwed into the ground to support the stand in an upright position. The top end of the rod forming the stand body defines an S-shaped loop configured, sized and shaped and disposed at a selected angle to support an article thereon. The top adapter is capable of supporting a decorative element, sign, target, or other element. An S-shaped handle is formed integrally within the support shaft longitudinal member extending from the auger.

Abstract: A grooved resin molded part which when joined to another molded part, can form a composite molded product having an enhanced strength. This part contains an inorganic filler and has multiple grooves formed by partially removing the resin, such that the filler is exposed in these grooves. The depth of the grooves may be at least one-half of the length of the grooves in the shorter direction. The filler may have a fibrous shape; and the longer direction of the filler may be different from that of the grooves. The part is obtained by subjecting a resin molded part containing the filler to laser irradiation or the like to form multiple grooves in which the filler is exposed.

Abstract: A protector for a boom tip for use within an electrical power transmission system, the protector including: one or more walls having a boom tip enclosure side, an exterior side, and one or more terminal edges that define a boom tip entrance; and a guide shoulder contoured along the boom tip enclosure side to define an installation path for a part of the boom tip to contact and follow relative to the protector. A method of installing a protector on a boom tip for use within an electrical power transmission system, the method including: positioning the protector so that the boom tip is between one or more terminal edges of the protector, and a part of the boom tip is adjacent an initial portion of a guide shoulder contoured along a boom tip enclosure side of the protector; and advancing the protector into an installed position over the boom tip by allowing the part to follow an installation path defined by the guide shoulder.

Abstract: A wildlife guard assembly for use with an electrical insulator body includes first and second guard members and an actuator member. The first and second guard members define a seat to receive the insulator body and are connected to one another to permit relative movement between an open position. The first and second guard members define a sideward opening to laterally receive the insulator body into the seat, and a closed position, wherein the first and second guard members at least partially encircle the insulator body to capture the insulator body in the seat. The actuator member is configured to be inserted between the first and second guard members in the open position and, when forcibly displaced radially to an installed position, to force the first and second guard members to move from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: A method and system for a cutout cover are provided. The cutout cover system includes a hollow head portion including a throat portion including an opening oriented toward a cutout when installed on the cutout and a tab portion extending from the hollow head portion in a first direction, the tab portion including a slit extending through the tab portion to the hollow head portion and dividing the tab portion into two joinable halves. The cutout cover also includes a nose portion extending from the hollow head portion in a second direction, the second direction opposite the first direction, the nose portion including a diverging cross-section along the nose portion from a distal end of the nose portion towards the head portion, the nose portion including a substantially smooth linear surface.

Abstract: A device for measuring current and/or voltage in a high voltage wire can be provided in a folding insulator. The mechanically folding insulator device can include a plurality of insulated sections. Pairs of insulated sections are coupled together by a link which allows for mechanical folding of said insulator device. The insulated sections of the folding insulator device have a cavity formed therein which contains an optical fiber surrounded by an insulative material.

Abstract: An electrical component cover may include a first portion and a second portion which are hingedly attached to one another and at least one projection extending from one of the first portion and the second portion. A locking member engages the at least one projection so as to hold the first portion and second portion together to cover an electrical component disposed in a void defined by the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: High voltage insulating materials in solid and liquid form which are provided in particular for use in high voltage generators for example for radiotechnology and computer tomography. The solid insulating materials are characterized in particular in that they have a high dielectric strength while having a relatively low weight. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity of the insulating materials can be set relatively simply such that surface charges are reliably dissipated and voltage flashovers are avoided. Finally, with further embodiments, in particular in the case of hybrid insulating materials, it is possible to adapt or change the dielectric constant and/or the electrical conductivity of the insulating materials in a targeted manner such that the respective voltage drops over the insulting materials do not exceed the dielectric strength thereof.

Abstract: An electrical power transmission system includes electrical insulators arranged to electrically isolate live power lines. Surface reconditioning units are incorporated or integrated in the insulator structures. A sensor arrangement determines surface conditions of the electrical insulators in use to isolate live power lines. In response, the surface reconditioning units automatically recondition the surfaces of the in-service electrical insulators if appropriate for maintaining the electrical insulators in healthy state.

Abstract: An electrical power transmission system includes electrical insulators arranged to electrically isolate live power lines. Surface reconditioning units are incorporated or integrated in the insulator structures. A sensor arrangement determines surface conditions of the electrical insulators in use to isolate live power lines. In response, the surface reconditioning units automatically recondition the surfaces of the in-service electrical insulators if appropriate for maintaining the electrical insulators in healthy state.

Abstract: A device for measuring current and/or voltage in a high voltage wire can be provided in a folding insulator. The mechanically folding insulator device can include a plurality of insulated sections. Pairs of insulated sections are coupled together by a link which allows for mechanical folding of said insulator device. The insulated sections of the folding insulator device have a cavity formed therein which contains an optical fiber surrounded by an insulative material.

Abstract: An electrical insulator disk has central recesses and peripheral recesses to enable the disk to be mounted floatingly relative to flanges between which the disk is held and to a linear conductor that extends through the disk.

Abstract: A wildlife guard assembly for use with an electrical insulator body includes first and second guard members and an actuator member. The first and second guard members define a seat to receive the insulator body and are connected to one another to permit relative movement between an open position. The first and second guard members define a sideward opening to laterally receive the insulator body into the seat, and a closed position, wherein the first and second guard members at least partially encircle the insulator body to capture the insulator body in the seat. The actuator member is configured to be inserted between the first and second guard members in the open position and, when forcibly displaced radially to an installed position, to force the first and second guard members to move from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: An electrical insulator including a tube surrounded by an insulating sheath. The insulating sheath is composed of a filled, hardened, flexibilized, hydrophobic, cycloaliphatic epoxy resin containing from 25 to 75 percent by weight of mineral filler. The process for manufacturing this insulator includes the steps of installing the insulator tube or a precursor of the tube in an electrical insulator mold, feeding the filled unhardened hydrophobic cycloaliphatic epoxy resin in the mold so as to form the sheath, hardening the resin inserted in the mold so as to obtain the insulator, and extracting the insulator obtained from the mold.

Abstract: A wildlife guard assembly for an electrical insulator body includes at least three guard members serially connected to one another such that at least one of the guard members is moveable relative to the others. Each of the guard members has a respective shell body. The guard members are selectively movable between an open position, wherein the guard members are configured to receive the insulator body, and a closed position, wherein the shell bodies of the at least three guard members collectively form an enclosure defining a chamber to receive the insulator body such that at least a portion of the insulator body is enclosed by the enclosure.

Abstract: A smart link in a power delivery system includes an insulator, which electrically isolates a power line, and a switchable conductance placed in parallel with the insulator. The switchable conductance includes switchgear for sourcing, sinking, and/or dispatching real and/or reactive power on the power line to dynamically in response to dynamic loading, transient voltages and/or currents, and phase conditions or other conditions on the power line.

Abstract: A smart link in a power delivery system includes an insulator, which electrically isolates a power line, and a switchable conductance placed in parallel with the insulator. The switchable conductance includes switchgear for sourcing, sinking, and/or dispatching real and/or reactive power on the power line to dynamically in response to dynamic loading, transient voltages and/or currents, and phase conditions or other conditions on the power line.

Abstract: An electrical power transmission system includes electrical insulators arranged to electrically isolate live power lines. Surface reconditioning units are incorporated or integrated in the insulator structures. A sensor arrangement determines surface conditions of the electrical insulators in use to isolate live power lines. In response, the surface reconditioning units automatically recondition the surfaces of the in-service electrical insulators if appropriate for maintaining the electrical insulators in healthy state.

Abstract: An insulator configuration has a first stop point and a second stop point. A shank which has a non-circular enveloping contour is formed between the stop points. The shank is enclosed by at least one shield. The shield has an enveloping contour of the same type as the shank.

Abstract: The bird guard provides a device to protect electrical insulators comprising a central shaft; a clamp attached to an end of the shaft to secure the device to a transmission tower; a top and bottom cover to shield transmission tower insulators; and bearings to allow the guard to rotate in order to frighten birds away from the insulators.

Abstract: A wildlife protection guard for electrical power distribution equipment has an enclosure constructed to surround a power line connection and formed by a pair of half-shells. The enclosure has a base member, a sidewall extending from the base member, a tapered member extending from the sidewall, and a top member on the tapered member. The base member has a central opening with a plurality of flexible fingers. The top member has a central opening which defines a first port. A second opening is provided on the tapered sidewall to define a second port. The pair of half-shells is configured to be held in a closed configuration by a first latch on the sidewall and a second latch provided on a portion of the enclosure different from the sidewall. The pair of half-shells is connected together by a robust hinge configuration.

Abstract: A modular insulator assembly for an x-ray tube includes an annular insulator having a cylindrical perimeter wall, the insulator constructed of an electrically insulative material. A wall member is fixedly attached to and extending beyond the cylindrical perimeter wall, and a first shield positioned adjacent to the wall member and having an end extending proximate a corner formed by the wall member and the insulator.

Abstract: An electrical insulator disk has central recesses and peripheral recesses to enable the disk to be mounted floatingly relative to flanges between which the disk is held and to a linear conductor that extends through the disk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insulated barrier preventing wildlife from simultaneously contacting an electrically energized and an electrically grounded surface, includes electrically insulated radially and axially extending members forming an hexagonal web having a first hexagonal rib that defines an opening offset from the geometric center of the barrier; and an insertion slot extending from an outer portion of said barrier to the offset opening for movement of said barrier onto electrical equipment utilizing and installation grip area for engagement with a gripping portion of an installation tool.

Abstract: An animal deterrent system to be placed on structures such as electrical apparatus to deter and protect birds, wildlife and other animals. Specifically, a perching deterrent having a saddle made to fit over any desired member of a structure and deterrent extensions may be used separately or in combination. The deterrent extensions may protrude in various configurations from the above-mentioned saddle to inhibit, deter, or insulate animals contacting structures. Also possible is an insulator cap with spiral conductor covers.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the radio frequency emissions of a proximity remote keyless system for permitting or denying remote access to premises of a vehicle. The source power is controlled to thereby control when the vehicle is authorized to start. The proximity remote can thus be left in the vehicle and controlled by another external source. The device of the invention is adapted to be inserted between a battery, which powers the proximity remote, and insulates the battery from an associated battery base contact. The device comprises a conductive contact on opposite sides of an insulating plate and at least one wire connected to each conductive contact. The wires can be connected to an external device, thus allowing external electrical or mechanical control of the proximity remote, with the proximity remote being only able to transmit to the vehicle if the battery is connected to the battery base contact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical insulator (1) comprising a tube (3) surrounded by an insulating sheath (5) that may be smooth or provided with fins (7). The insulating sheath is composed of a filled, hardened, flexibilised, hydrophobic, cycloaliphatic epoxy resin containing from 25 to 75% by weight of mineral filler. The process for manufacturing this insulator comprises the steps consisting of installing the insulator tube or a precursor of the tube, in an electrical insulator mould possibly provided with fins, feeding the filled unhardened hydrophobic cycloaliphatic epoxy resin in the mould so as to form the sheath and the fins of the insulator around the said tube or its precursor, hardening the resin inserted in the mould so as to obtain the insulator, and extracting the insulator obtained from the mould. The electrical insulator according to the invention can be used in a high voltage application.

Abstract: An insulating cap and method of using the same is disclosed. The insulating cap has one or more slots sized to accept edges of a rib of an arrester bracket so that the cap may be affixed to the rib by sliding the cap over the rib. Tabs at lower portions of the slotted side portions provide for snap fitting the cap to the rib. A cover portion of the cap extends forward from the slotted portion and is sized to at least partially cover a bolt or fastener that connects the arrester bracket to a mounting bracket that is, in turn, affixed to a transformer tank. The cover portion has curved or rounded upper surfaces to serve as a perch deterrent. The insulating cap is formed from a UV stabilized, polypropylene copolymer.

Abstract: A wind driven cleaning ring apparatus for removing dirt on electrical insulators used in electric systems. The cleaning ring apparatus includes spaced apart bowl members supported on a cylindrical ring member by being sleeved over the ring member or formed integral therewith. The bowl members may be hemispherical or conical in shape and may be held spaced apart on the ring member by spherical or cylindrical beads. The bowl members may include a peripheral scraper edge. Spaced apart circular brushes and/or scraper members may be mounted on the ring member between respective ones of the bowl members.