Abstract: A solvent recovery system for an oil and grease test collects and condenses solvent vapors to recover solvent. A vessel having an inlet for sealingly receiving an outlet of a separatory funnel receives solvent from the separatory funnel. The solvent is filtered through a filter paper placed in a funnel integral with the vessel. The funnel has a lower tubular section protruding from the vessel. A vapor return tube, integral with the vessel, surrounds the tubular section providing an annular space between an inside wall of the vapor return tube and an outside wall of the tubular section. Filtrate flows downward through the funnel tubular section into an evaporation flask, where the solvent is heated and evaporated leaving an oil and grease residue. Solvent vapors flow upward through the annular space within the vapor return tube into the vessel. A condenser, integral with the vessel, receives and condenses the vapors forming a condensate that is collected in a solvent recovery flask.

Abstract: A wildlife guard for electrical power distribution equipment is easily and safely installed by hot stick without power interruption. The guard includes a disc of electrically insulating material having a hollow center for mounting an insulator, a cutaway tab-and-ring section of the disc for adapting the disc to a plurality of insulator core sizes, and at least one installation grip section of the disc for receiving a gripping portion of hot stick. The guard also may include an adaptation section of the disc for adapting the disc to also protect an adjacent or physically associated insulator. In addition, a guard may include a comb or toothed inlet guide section for ease of installation and for subsequently holding the disc in place around an insulator. The guard also eliminates the need for a service interruption during installation and protects the crew members in the installation area by providing for installation with insulated manipulator sticks.

Abstract: A transport tool which is attachable to a hoist mechanism for a suspended access work platform permits the mechanism to be easily lifted and moved about on a job site. The transport tool attaches to the hoist mechanism and affords a place for a service crew member to easily lift the mechanism and carry it. The mechanism may thus be easily moved with less likelihood of dropping or damage, and also less risk of injury or strain in lifting or carrying it.

Abstract: A preform remover is more easily attachable to the conductor for removing a protective wire preform wrapped on an electrical conductor. The preform remover is also more easily operable by a single line worker, even in locations relatively inaccessible to the line crew. The preform remover eases the initial separation of the preform end from the conductor, and is also readily changeable to accommodate different wire sizes.

Abstract: The phase of electrical current flowing through a power distribution network is sensed and fed to a computer. A transducer also detects the position and movement of an insulator rod used to mechanically open the contacts of a high voltage circuit breaker in the power distribution network. Signals indicative of insulator rod position and movement are also furnished to the computer. When it becomes necessary to open the circuit breaker contacts, the insulator rod movement and the electrical current phase are coordinated so that the contacts are carrying little, if any, current when they open. The fault-interrupting capacity of a circuit breaker is increased, while damage to the breaker contacts is reduced.

Abstract: A clamp is provided which automatically latches onto a power line when brought into contact with the line for grounding the line or other purposes. The clamp has structural features which prevent inadvertent triggering of the latch mechanism before contact with the power line.

Abstract: A cooling block is provided for mounting a transducer or other electronic component on a test object which typically becomes heated during use or testing. The cooling block receives a flow of cooling gas and distributes the gas to flow outwardly past the transducer and maintain the transducer in relatively stable, constant temperature conditions. The cooling block also functions as a heat absorber. The block may be mechanically or magnetically attached to the object under test.

Abstract: A new and improved inner tip or head is provided for a fiberoptic scanner mechanism of the type monitoring the presence of flame in a boiler furnace. The scanner tip according to the present invention is more easily installed and removed. It also reduces the transfer of heat from the furnace to the fiberoptic scanner.

Abstract: An interface circuit for converting high current output signals provided by a test equipment to corresponding low voltage signals for testing digital relays used in power transmission systems. The high current signal outputs range in value between 0.001 and 26 amperes. The interface circuit includes a current sensing resistor for converting the high current output signal provided by the test equipment to a low voltage signal. The low voltage signal is amplified to the appropriate voltage level to correspond to the test equipment current signal output. The gain of the amplifier is adjustable using a potentiometer to allow the interface circuit to be used with different digital relays having different input signal requirements.

Abstract: A system is provided at the emergency pressure release in an air conditioning refrigerant system. The system protects the environment from venting of the pressurized refrigerant. The system also permits recovery of the refrigerant for subsequent use or for environmentally safe disposal.

Abstract: An extender or cover is provided for fitting over partition walls between adjacent sets of terminal points or connectors on an electrical terminal block. When installed, the extender serves as a mechanical barrier against inadvertent connection of terminals of different electrical polarity or potential. The extender also serves as a visible cautionary indicator, alerting the service crew to be aware of the risk of misconnection.

Abstract: An adapter is provided for adapting a voltage or phase rotation indicator for use with multiphase electrical power. The adapter allows the phase rotation indicator to be used in situations where it might not otherwise be used, such as when the power conductors are not contained in a power meter box. The adapter may also be used as a protective carrying or transport cover for the indicator when the indicator is not in use.

Abstract: A tester is provided for a control yoke of an oil-filled electrical power switch. The tester can be easily and safely used by a line crew member. The tester is connected to the yoke which carries electrical signals to control the position of the switch. Control signals are then furnished to the yoke in the usual manner. Indicators on the tester identify whether the yoke or the switch is the source of the problem.

Abstract: The invention provides a pole installation guide for the installation and removal of large poles, such as utility poles. The guide includes an elongate guide body with a curved surface adapted for receiving and slidingly engaging poles for insertion into a receiving hole. The guide body has an upper portion extending above the hole and a lower portion extending into the hole. Intermediate the upper and lower portions is located a ground plate, preferably equipped with spikes for engaging the ground surface, for supporting and retaining the guide body in place when the installation guide is in use.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for fitting at an upper portion of a ladder. It is adapted for use in situations where an electrical service crew member must work on electrical equipment (such as transformer boxes) which are mounted on upper portions of building walls. The apparatus provides a safe and stable support for the ladder. The apparatus provides this support while keeping the ladder located an adequate distance from the wall. The crew member can thus comfortably stand on the ladder and still have access to the equipment to remove the cover of the box and work on its contents.

Abstract: The operation of energized substation circuit breakers in electrical power distribution systems is directly monitored. For each circuit breaker in a multi-phase breaker arrangement, the flow of electrical current is sensed. A signal is then formed for each phase representative of the sensed current flow. The signals so formed for the multi-phases are combined into a composite waveform for monitoring and diagnostic purposes. In the composite waveform, the signal for each phase of the circuit breaker is identifiable by its time relationship to others and by a distinctive voltage level.

Abstract: A protector formed of a suitable dielectric material is adapted to be inserted into an electrical utility meter box socket. The protector is provided to insulate energized terminals in the meter box from each other and from any ground potential. The protector serves as a temporary insulative barrier greatly reducing the risk of injury to service crew members taking voltage readings or verifying phase rotation.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for mounting on a flue or exhaust stack conveying combustion gases from a furnace. The assembly permits periodic calibration of a cross-duct flue gas analyzer which senses the flue gas concentrations in the combustion gases. The gas analyzer is calibrated while in place without requiring its removal from service.

Abstract: A railroad car having an improved draft gear assembly including a center sill structure terminating at one end in a draft center sill section having a yoke mounted therewith. The yoke includes first and second yoke members extending longitudinally. An interlocking coupler member including a head portion and a shank portion is mounted with the yoke. A connector assembly holds the interlocking coupler member in position in the yoke. The interlocking coupler member includes a rear butt portion positioned internally of the connector assembly for engaging a follower block mounted substantially between the first and second yoke members. A resilient member is mounted between the follower block assembly and the end of the yoke.

Abstract: A voltage rotation indicator for testing the phase sequence of live multi-phase electrical power is mounted within a housing. The housing is provided with structure for removably mounting the indicator on a meter box or can during voltage rotation testing. Contact plungers extend from the housing and contact meter jaw test points in the meter box during testing. Field personnel are thus not required to insert their hands into the meter box to attach test clips to the live circuit.