Abstract: A current monitor for a transmission line having powered active components is provided. A current monitor includes: a housing configured to be coupled to a transmission line, an inductive current sensor in the housing configured to measure a value of the current on the transmission line to generate a sensor signal, a power source, and a sensor signal conversion circuit in the housing configured to receive power from the power source and to generate a current output signal based on the sensor signal, the current output signal having a natively useful form.

Abstract: A post insulator, a post insulator keeper, and a method of securing a conductor on a post insulator are provided. A post insulator includes: an electrically insulative case including an abutment surface defining a recess; and a keeper rotatably coupled to the case between an open position in which a conductor is receivable into the recess, and a closed position to maintain the conductor in the recess.

Abstract: A dropped conductor sensor includes a housing installable on a first conductor; a sensor supported in the housing and configured to sense in real time at least one of an acceleration, a vibration, a tilt, a roll, or an angular displacement of the dropped conductor sensor; and an antenna in the housing, the antenna configured to transmit a signal including information sensed by the sensor away from the dropped conductor sensor in real time. A monitoring system including a dropped conductor sensor, and a method of monitoring a conductor using a dropped conductor sensor are also provided.

Abstract: A current monitor for a transmission line having powered active components is provided. A current monitor includes: a housing configured to be coupled to a transmission line, an inductive current sensor in the housing configured to measure a value of the current on the transmission line to generate a sensor signal, a power source, and a sensor signal conversion circuit in the housing configured to receive power from the power source and to generate a current output signal based on the sensor signal, the current output signal having a natively useful form.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a reliability line rating for a transmission line is disclosed. In response to a line clearance measurement and a line temperature measurement received from a transmission line monitor coupled to a transmission line, the system generates a temperature-clearance model for the transmission line based on the received line clearance measurement and line temperature measurement. The system generates a plurality of past dynamic line ratings and determines a scaling factor based on the plurality of past dynamic line ratings. The system then generates a dynamic line rating for an interval of time in the future and scales the dynamic line rating in response to the scaling factor to obtain a reliability line rating for the interval.

Abstract: An apparatus for helicopter erection of an emergency restoration structure, and a method of helicopter erection of an emergency restoration structure using the same are provided. An apparatus for helicopter erection of an emergency restoration structure includes a first alignment frame portion attachable to a first section of an emergency restoration structure; a second alignment frame portion attachable to a second section of the emergency restoration structure; an alignment portion arranged on at least one of the first alignment frame portion and the second alignment frame portion; and a hook configured to receive a portion of at least one of the first alignment frame portion and the second alignment frame portion.

Abstract: A device and method of precise distance measurement of a transmission line to any object below it is disclosed, along with a network of such devices. The technique employs ultrasonic or laser sensor technology to measure the distance to the nearest object, be it vegetation or a crossing conductor below, and reports that distance wirelessly to the system operator or transmission asset owner. The ultrasonic measurement package may be part of a Transmission Line Security Monitor, which mounts to a transmission line conductor and is powered by the transmission line, transmitting the data by radio links. The technology is equally applicable to encroachment of objects from the side (for example, other transmission lines), as well as to other electrical lines, such as distribution lines, or to other sensing. A built-in transceiver allows the device to communicate with other devices and forward alerts from these devices in a daisy-chain fashion to the intended recipient.

Abstract: An improved bundle conductor stringing block having a main frame constructed essentially of structural steel components and including a cantilever suspension yoke positioned to form a tow-line receiving passage through which a helicopter can dispense a conductor tow-line onto a central one of multiple sheaves. Guide members pivoted to the opposite sides of the tow-line passage guide the tow-line onto the central sheave and include toggle spring device engageable by a running board at the trailing end of the tow-line to engage these members and pivot them in either direction to retracted positions along the block side frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of automatically threading successive closed framed openings by helicopter towing a line equipped with a separable coupling. The invention utilizes a short cable loop pre-threaded through each closed frame such as the throat of a stringing block which cable loop is provided at its ends with coupling halves releasably supported at the opposite ends of a trough overlying the framed opening to be threaded. A helicopter is manoeuvred to drop the towing line coupling into a trough where its halves are automatically separated and thereafter recoupled to a respective end of the cable loop. Subsequently, the forward coupling can be similarly separated for insertion of a second cable loop in the towing line at the next threading apparatus in the helicopter's path of travel.