Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a wire safely above ground in an overhead power distribution system that also prevents damage to a support structure caused by an object falling on the wire is disclosed herein. The apparatus may comprise a mounting base configured to be affixed to a support structure and a bracket arm configured to support a wire and rotatably engage the mounting base. The mounting base and the bracket arm may each include a set of apertures configured to receive a pivoting pin and a set of apertures configured to receive a shear pin. The bracket arm may be affixed to the mounting base in a horizontal position relative to the mounting base when the pivoting pin and shear pin are inserted into their corresponding apertures. The bracket arm rotates downward, pivoting around the pivoting pin, when the shear pin breaks due to impact on the wire.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing cables in overhead transmission and distribution systems and a corresponding method of use are disclosed herein. The apparatus described herein may comprise a dual messenger rolling cable spacer used to install cables in overhead transmission and distribution systems. In various embodiments, the method of using the dual messenger rolling cable spacer may include installing a carrier messenger wire across a span between utility structures. One or more rolling spacers may then be hung from the carrier messenger wire via a roller such that the roller is in contact with the carrier messenger wire. A set of cables and a circuit messenger wire may be affixed to the one or more rolling spacers. The circuit messenger wire may then be pulled across the span causing the one or more rolling spacers to roll along the carrier messenger wire, thereby pulling the set of cables across the span.

Abstract: A monitoring system is disclosed herein that is configured to utilize a distributed sensing system to monitor both a cable and cable accessories included within a cable circuit. In various embodiments, the monitoring system may include a distributed sensing system and one or more cable accessory wrap assemblies. The distributed sensing system may include a distributed sensing fiber following (or integrated into) the cable and connected to a cable accessory wrap assembly for each of the one or more cable accessories in-line with cable. In various embodiments, each cable accessory wrap assembly may comprise a cable wrap embedded with a distributed sensing fiber. The distributing sensing fiber of a cable accessory wrap assembly may be configured to provide measurements to distributed sensing system indicating that an anomaly event occurred at a given cable accessory.

Abstract: A cable spacer includes first and second angle arms each having a cable engaging end at one end and a flat tab portion at an opposite end having a connecting tab and an aperture to connect the arms to each other. An insulator extends between and connects the angle arms at their respective connecting tabs. The insulator has a non-conductive core. The angle arms and insulator mounted to each other define a spacer plane. A bottom arm is mounted to and depends from insulator. The bottom arm is mounted to the insulator to sway into and out of the spacer plane. A clamp secures the cable spacer to a messenger and includes upper and lower clamp portions. The upper clamp portion mounts to the messenger and the lower clamp portion mounts to cable spacer angle arms. The lower clamp portion is rotatable relative to the upper clamp portion.

Abstract: A cable spacer includes first and second angle arms each having a cable engaging end at one end and a flat tab portion at an opposite end having a connecting tab and an aperture to connect the arms to each other. An insulator extends between and connects the angle arms at their respective connecting tabs. The insulator has a non-conductive core. The angle arms and insulator mounted to each other define a spacer plane. A bottom arm is mounted to and depends from insulator. The bottom arm is mounted to the insulator to sway into and out of the spacer plane. A clamp secures the cable spacer to a messenger and includes upper and lower clamp portions. The upper clamp portion mounts to the messenger and the lower clamp portion mounts to cable spacer angle arms. The lower clamp portion is rotatable relative to the upper clamp portion.

Abstract: High voltage insulators are disclosed, along with related methods of manufacture and use. The disclosed high voltage insulators include a core strength member joined to one or more end fittings and secured with one or more elastomeric members. A plastic body surrounds the core strength member, the elastomeric member, and at least a portion of the end fitting. In particular, the plastic body is molded over the elastomeric member(s) and, upon cooling, the plastic body exerts a radial compressive force on the underlying elastomeric member(s) to seal the joint of the high voltage insulator and protect it from moisture, even throughout temperature fluctuations in the field.

Abstract: A monitoring system is disclosed herein that is configured to utilize a distributed sensing system to monitor both a cable and cable accessories included within a cable circuit. In various embodiments, the monitoring system may include a distributed sensing system and one or more cable accessory wrap assemblies. The distributed sensing system may include a distributed sensing fiber following (or integrated into) the cable and connected to a cable accessory wrap assembly for each of the one or more cable accessories in-line with cable. In various embodiments, each cable accessory wrap assembly may comprise a cable wrap embedded with a distributed sensing fiber. The distributing sensing fiber of a cable accessory wrap assembly may be configured to provide measurements to distributed sensing system indicating that an anomaly event occurred at a given cable accessory.

Abstract: A monitoring system is disclosed herein that is configured to utilize a distributed sensing system to monitor both a cable and cable accessories included within a cable circuit. In various embodiments, the monitoring system may include a distributed sensing system and one or more cable accessory wrap assemblies. The distributed sensing system may include a distributed sensing fiber following (or integrated into) the cable and connected to a cable accessory wrap assembly for each of the one or more cable accessories in-line with cable. In various embodiments, each cable accessory wrap assembly may comprise a cable wrap embedded with a distributed sensing fiber. The distributing sensing fiber of a cable accessory wrap assembly may be configured to provide measurements to distributed sensing system indicating that an anomaly event occurred at a given cable accessory.

Abstract: A monitoring system is disclosed herein that is configured to utilize a distributed sensing system to monitor both a cable and cable accessories included within a cable circuit. In various embodiments, the monitoring system may include a distributed sensing system and one or more cable accessory wrap assemblies. The distributed sensing system may include a distributed sensing fiber following (or integrated into) the cable and connected to a cable accessory wrap assembly for each of the one or more cable accessories in-line with cable. In various embodiments, each cable accessory wrap assembly may comprise a cable wrap embedded with a distributed sensing fiber. The distributing sensing fiber of a cable accessory wrap assembly may be configured to provide measurements to distributed sensing system indicating that an anomaly event occurred at a given cable accessory.

Abstract: In general, aspects of this invention relate to electrical cables and, in particular, to a cable with electromagnetic and/or anti-ballistic shielding. According to one aspect, a cable may comprise: a conductor; a continuous metallic sheath surrounding the conductor; and a supplemental sheath layer surrounding the metallic sheath. According to another aspect, a cable may comprise: a conductor; an armor layer surrounding the conductor; a fabric layer surrounding the conductor; and a polymer layer surrounding the conductor. According to yet another aspect, a cable may comprise: a conductor; an inner synthetic strength member surrounding the conductor; a polymer compound positioned between the conductor and the inner synthetic strength member; a polymer layer surrounding the inner synthetic strength member; an armor layer surrounding the polymer layer; an outer synthetic strength member surrounding the armor layer; and a polyolefin layer surrounding the outer synthetic strength member.

Abstract: In general, aspects of this invention relate to electrical cables and, in particular, to a cable with electromagnetic and/or anti-ballistic shielding. According to one aspect, a cable may comprise: a conductor; a continuous metallic sheath surrounding the conductor; and a supplemental sheath layer surrounding the metallic sheath. According to another aspect, a cable may comprise: a conductor; an armor layer surrounding the conductor; a fabric layer surrounding the conductor; and a polymer layer surrounding the conductor. According to yet another aspect, a cable may comprise: a conductor; an inner synthetic strength member surrounding the conductor; a polymer compound positioned between the conductor and the inner synthetic strength member; a polymer layer surrounding the inner synthetic strength member; an armor layer surrounding the polymer layer; an outer synthetic strength member surrounding the armor layer; and a polyolefin layer surrounding the outer synthetic strength member.

Abstract: An angle block apparatus and method of stringing cable is provided. The apparatus includes an angle block frame having an enclosed frame perimeter structure. A rotatable roller wheel is connected to the angle block frame and positioned interior of the enclosed frame perimeter structure. A connector is affixed to the angle block frame and sized to retain the angle block frame in a substantially stationary position. The method of stringing cable includes, in part, disconnecting a sled carrying the cable from a messenger wire trolley. The sled and cable attached thereto is then moved through the angle block frame from a first side to a second side of the angle block frame. The trolley is moved from the first side to the second side of the angle block frame without going through the angle block frame. The sled is then reattached to the messenger wire trolley on the second side.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing wire and/or cable fixture, system, and related methods are disclosed. The impact-absorbing wire fixture apparatus includes a substantially rigid bracket having at least a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first arm is connectable to a utility support structure. A twisted portion is positioned within the second arm, wherein the twisted portion is at least a 90° rotation of the second arm, wherein the twisted portion of the second arm has a width that exceeds a thickness. A fixturing portion is positioned at a distal end of the second arm.

Abstract: An electrical insulator apparatus and method of manufacturing an electrical insulator apparatus includes a core strength member which is positioned at least partially within at least one end-fitting. A thermoplastic exterior body having a plurality of spaced fins is injection-molded over the core strength member and at least partially over the at least one end-fitting. The core strength member is attached to the at least one end-fitting without a mechanical compression to the at least one end-fitting and without an adhesive between the core strength member and the at least one end-fitting. One or more mechanical upset structures formed on the at least one end-fitting prevent movements of the injection molded thermoplastic exterior body relative to the at least one end-fitting.

Abstract: A conductor cover apparatus for use with an overhead electrical transmission and distribution system and related methods is provided. The conductor cover apparatus has a center cover member. At least one arm connector is formed on the center cover member, the at least one arm connector having an opening and a first hole positioned between a first external side and a second external side of the at least one arm connector. An extension arm is positioned at least partially interior of the first and second external sides of the at least one arm connector. At least one pin is removably connecting the extension arm to the at least one arm connector, wherein the at least one pin is positioned through the first hole of the at least one arm connector and a first arm hole within the extension arm.

Abstract: A stringing angle clamp device and methods associated therewith are provided. The stringing angle clamp device has a pulley wheel rotatable about an axle. A connecting structure has at least a first end and a second end, the first end rotatably affixed to the axle and the second end sized to connect to a utility pole. A first guide arm is rotatably affixed to the axle, wherein the first guide arm further comprises a first arm half and a second arm half, wherein the first arm half is mechanically fastened to the second arm half with at least one removable mechanical fastener positioned through each of the first and second arm halves. A first wire clamping structure is affixed to the first guide arm.

Abstract: An aerial cable spacer apparatus and associated methods thereto are provided. The aerial cable spacer apparatus includes a spacer arm. A spacer body is connected to the spacer arm. At least one saddle is formed on the spacer body. At least one roller is connected to at least one of the at least one saddle and the spacer body, wherein an exterior surface of the at least one roller is positioned to intersect a cable interface path of the at least one saddle.

Abstract: An electrical insulator apparatus and methods of using the same are provided. The apparatus includes an insulator body formed about a central axis, the insulator body having a plurality of spaced fins positioned along an exterior of the insulator body. A first jaw portion is positioned on an upper portion of the insulator body. A second jaw portion is positioned proximate to the first jaw portion and is movable with respect to the first jaw portion. At least one fastener is connected between the first and second jaw portions. A jaw platform is positioned at least partially between the first and second jaw portions, wherein the first and second jaw portions and the jaw platform form a notch sized to receive an electrical conductor, wherein the jaw platform substantially lies within a first plane angled substantially between 6° and 184° with respect to the central axis of the insulator body.

Abstract: An aerial roller spacer apparatus and related methods thereto are provided. The aerial roller spacer apparatus includes a spacer body. At least one saddle is formed on the spacer body. A spacer arm is connected to the spacer body at a first end, wherein the spacer arm extends away from the spacer body. A roller assembly is positioned proximate to a second end of the spacer arm, wherein the roller assembly has two rotatable roller halves that are removably engagable with one another with at least one fastener. A messenger groove is formed between the two rotatable roller halves.

Abstract: A stringing angle clamp device and methods associated therewith are provided. The stringing angle clamp device has a pulley wheel rotatable about an axle. A connecting structure has at least a first end and a second end, wherein the first end rotatably is affixed to the axle and the second end is sized to connect to a utility pole. A first guide arm and a second guide arm are each rotatably affixed to the axle. A first wire clamping structure is affixed to the first guide arm and a second wire clamping structure is affixed to the second guide arm.