Abstract: An apparatus is provided for mounting on a circuit breaker to tag or indicate that an electrical line or equipment connected to the breaker is being serviced. Once work has been completed, the apparatus can be removed from the circuit breaker for later use on other breakers. When in place on the circuit breaker, the apparatus keeps the circuit breaker switch or handle in an open or off position, while also enclosing the switch to render it inaccessible from inadvertent contact.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneously testing the permeability of a plurality of core specimens is disclosed. The apparatus includes a reservoir to contain a fluid and a plurality of permeameters in fluid communication with the reservoir. The apparatus also includes valves for individually controlling the supply of fluid to the permeameters and a buret and flask for measuring the amount of fluid passing individually through each core specimen in each permeameter. The apparatus also includes a pressurized gas source for pressurizing the fluid in the reservoir with gas and a pressure regulator to allow multiple permeability tests to be conducted simultaneously but at a different pressure than other concurrent permeability tests.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removing a protective armor wrapping, known as a preform, from a live electric power conductor. The apparatus mounts on an insulative rod, or hot stick, so that it can be remotely operated. The conductor is seated in a generally U-shaped, longitudinal channel member of the apparatus and then enclosed in the channel by a cover portion to form an elongated sleeve. After the conductor is in place within the sleeve formed between the cover and the channel member, the sleeve is moved along the conductor until a leading edge on the apparatus engages the preform. The preform is then stripped and unwound by rotating the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for installing and/or removing an electrical power meter with an electrical power distribution box the apparatus includes a sleeve which slides over the protective cover of the meter. Clips or other engaging members which releasably engage an outer ring bout the meter are formed at one end of the sleeve. An unlocking collar is mounted about the sleeve to unlock the clip when the meter is being removed. A hand grip for a user is mounted at an opposite end of the sleeve. A transparent, shatterproof cover is mounted in the sleeve at the end where the grip is located. Vent ports are provided in the sleeve to permit outlet of any gases.

Abstract: Coal is desulfurized by oxidation to convert organic sulfur moieties in the coal matrix to sulfates, and by treatment with a sulfatase to cleave the sulfates and thereby remove organic sulfur.

Abstract: A gaff guard for a gaff on a line crew member's climbing iron that may be permanently attached to the shank of the climbing iron. When the gaff is in use, the guard is conveniently and safely stowed in a rest position in a cavity in the means attaching the gaff guard to the shank. If a snagging force is encountered by the guard in the rest position, the attaching member has structure which yields so that snagging is overcome. Thus, the guard in not subject to being misplaced. When the gaff is not in use, the guard is pivoted downward and a socket covers the gaff, protecting the gaff point and the surroundings.

Abstract: A lock for electrical power meter boxes has a solid rod with a flared head to engage spring steel blades to lock it. The lock has a spring loaded sleeve within a housing, which can be permanently mounted either inside or outside a meter box. The spring loaded sleeve is maneuverable by an unlocking tool to open and release the spring sheet blades from the locked position.

Abstract: A support is provided for fitting over one or more insulating disks in electrical power distribution equipment. The support has a collar which fits about the disk or disks and includes structure which fits onto one of the insulator disks for support. Foot support struts extend outwardly from the collar for support of a climbing crew member's feet.

Abstract: A gin or lifting mechanism is provided for relatively heavy electrical equipment, such as transformers and the like. The gin is removably mounted on a pole above a cluster rack which is to receive the electrical equipment. The gin transfers the load of the equipment to the pole along a vertical central axis of the pole at an intermediate position between its upper and lower ends. The gin has an adjustable length support arm which is particularly suitable for movement of relatively heavy loads, especially in areas inaccessible to load lifting vehicles.

Abstract: A foundation for supporting poles, particularly electrical power cable support poles, is formed by boring a hole only slightly larger than the pole base onto the earth a desired depth. A reinforcing structure is lowered into the hole. The reinforcing structure usually rests on the bottom of the hole and extends above the earth surface a number of feet. The hole is then filled with concrete, usually up to the earth surface, and allowed to cure. A lowermost or base section of the pole is then lowered into position about an exposed upper portion of the reinforcing structure. Concrete is placed into the interior of the pole section about the reinforcing structure until it is covered. After the concrete cures, any remaining pole sections may be installed onto the base section.

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.

Abstract: A foundation for supporting poles, particularly electrical power cable support poles, is formed by boring a hole only slightly larger than the pole base onto the earth a desired depth. A reinforcing structure is lowered into the hole. The reinforcing structure usually rests on the bottom of the hole and extends above the earth surface a number of feet. The hole is then filled with concrete, usually up to the earth surface, and allowed to cure. A lowermost or base section of the pole is then lowered into position about an exposed upper portion of the reinforcing structure. Concrete is placed into the interior of the pole section about the reinforcing structure until it is covered. After the concrete cures, any remaining pole sections may be installed onto the base section.

Abstract: A gaff guard for a gaff on a line crew member's climbing iron that may be permanently attached to the shank of the climbing iron. When the gaff is in use, the guard is conveniently and safely stowed in a rest position in a cavity in the means attaching the gaff guard to the shank. Thus, the guard is not subject to being misplaced. When the gaff is not in use, the guard is pivoted downward and a socket covers the gaff, protecting the gaff point and the surroundings.

Abstract: Locks securely close a commercial electric power meter box at the front of the meter box where it is visible by a meter reader. One version of the lock readily indicates unauthorized entry into the meter box by extending the seal to the front of the box. Another version of the lock requires a special tool to remove the lock in addition to extending the seal to the front of the box. Yet another version of the lock is equipped with a fully enclosed and protected cylinder lock, which cannot be opened without a special tool and a key even if the seal is broken. All of the locks can be easily installed on existing commercial meter box installations.

Abstract: A tie back clamp is provided for retaining a severed end of a power cable in a safe, removed position when it is necessary to cut the cable to perform service or otherwise work on the power line. The clamp retains a tail or end portion adjacent the location of the cut at a position transverse the remaining cable from which the stub or end portion extends.

Abstract: An electrical elbow connection between a high voltage cable and a conductive bushing on a piece of electrical power distribution equipment, such as a transformer, is provided with a telescoping, rotating connector. This allows relative movement between the probe and the cable, which facilitates connecting the elbow to the bushing and allows for relative movement between the two over their service life.

Abstract: A clamp is provided for grounding electrical power lines and the like. The clamp automatically latches itself into a firm gripping relationship with the electrical power line when brought into contact with the power line.

Abstract: A method for carrying out a biochemical reaction with a culture of microorganisms is performed in a cavity formed in a subterranean formation to produce combustible hydrocarbon gases. The method is especially suitable for the conversion of alkali-oxidized or hydrolyzed coal, such as lignite, to methane. The method may be performed in the cavity as a continuously stirred tank reaction, or plug flow or as a staged reaction. The method may also be done as an anaerobic fixed film process using particles as an anaerobic filter, as a sludge blanket, or as an expanded bed process.

Abstract: A method for carrying out biochemical reaction is disclosed. The method includes placing a suitable substrate in a cavity formed in a subterranean formation, inoculating the substrate with a culture of microorganisms, maintaining conditions suitable for the growth of the microorganisms, allowing the microorganisms to grow in the substrate in the cavity, and recovering a biochemical product formed thereby. The method is especially suitable for the conversion of alkali-oxidized or hydrolyzed coal, such as lignite, to methane.

Abstract: A splicing tool system for high voltage transmission lines in which a pair of semi-circular jaw members with an internal configuration to match the lay of the wires of the transmission line is frictionally applied to the end of a cut transmission line and moved longitudinally of the line to replace any misplaced wires to a proper lay configuration on the transmission line. The tool is adapted to be operated by a longitudinal motion of remote control source and rotate about the axis of a transmission line.