Patents by Inventor Clifford William Devine

Clifford William Devine has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10658822
    Abstract: A manipulator for separating sub-conductors in an energized single phase bundle includes a rigid support member and first and second actuators mounted on the support member, wherein each actuator is independently actuable of the other. Insulators are mounted on each actuator. A selectively releasable coupler is mounted on each insulator for selectively releasable coupling of each insulator to a corresponding sub-conductor. The actuators extend corresponding insulators independently of one another from the support member to thereby separate from each other by an optimized separation distance the distal ends of each insulator. When the corresponding sub-conductors of the single phase bundle are releasably coupled to the corresponding distal ends of the insulators the surge impedance loading of the single phase bundle may be improved by separation of the corresponding distal ends of the insulators and the sub-conductors by the optimized separation distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Quanta Associates, L.P.
    Inventors: Clifford William Devine, Daniel Neil O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20150357802
    Abstract: A manipulator for separating sub-conductors in an energized single phase bundle includes a rigid support member and first and second actuators mounted on the support member, wherein each actuator is independently actuable of the other. Insulators are mounted on each actuator. A selectively releasable coupler is mounted on each insulator for selectively releasable coupling of each insulator to a corresponding sub-conductor. The actuators extend corresponding insulators independently of one another from the support member to thereby separate from each other by an optimized separation distance the distal ends of each insulator. When the corresponding sub-conductors of the single phase bundle are releasably coupled to the corresponding distal ends of the insulators the surge impedance loading of the single phase bundle may be improved by separation of the corresponding distal ends of the insulators and the sub-conductors by the optimized separation distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: CLIFFORD WILLIAM DEVINE, DANIEL NEIL O'CONNELL
  • Patent number: 9112338
    Abstract: A manipulator for separating sub-conductors in an energized single phase bundle includes a rigid support member and first and second actuators mounted on the support member, wherein each actuator is independently actuable of the other. Insulators are mounted on each actuator. A selectively releasable coupler is mounted on each insulator for selectively releasable coupling of each insulator to a corresponding sub-conductor. The actuators extend corresponding insulators independently of one another from the support member to thereby separate from each other by an optimized separation distance the distal ends of each insulator. When the corresponding sub-conductors of the single phase bundle are releasably coupled to the corresponding distal ends of the insulators the surge impedance loading of the single phase bundle may be improved by separation of the corresponding distal ends of the insulators and the sub-conductors by the optimized separation distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Inventors: Clifford William Devine, Daniel Neil O'Connell
  • Patent number: 9038989
    Abstract: A boom mountable robotic arm for temporarily supporting an elongate conductor includes a rigid member such as a beam or beam assembly adapted for mounting onto the upper end of a boom for example using a boom adaptor, at least one electrically insulated support post mounted to the rigid member, where each post temporarily supports an elongate electrical conductor, and at least two rotation devices for selectively controllable rotation of the rigid member and the electrically insulated support posts about at least two corresponding axes of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventors: Clifford William Devine, Daniel Neil O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20140217245
    Abstract: A manipulator for separating sub-conductors in an energized single phase bundle includes a rigid support member and first and second actuators mounted on the support member, wherein each actuator is independently actuable of the other. Insulators are mounted on each actuator. A selectively releasable coupler is mounted on each insulator for selectively releasable coupling of each insulator to a corresponding sub-conductor. The actuators extend corresponding insulators independently of one another from the support member to thereby separate from each other by an optimized separation distance the distal ends of each insulator. When the corresponding sub-conductors of the single phase bundle are releasably coupled to the corresponding distal ends of the insulators the surge impedance loading of the single phase bundle may be improved by separation of the corresponding distal ends of the insulators and the sub-conductors by the optimized separation distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: CLIFFORD WILLIAM DEVINE, DANIEL NEIL O'CONNELL
  • Publication number: 20140209843
    Abstract: A boom mountable robotic arm for includes a beam pivotally mounted on a boom mounting adaptor, at least two electrically insulated support posts mounted to and spaced apart along the beam, and at least a first rotation coupling and a plurality of second rotation couplings. The first rotation coupling provides pivotal mounting of the beam on the boom mounting adaptor so as to provide selectively controllable rotation of the beam in a substantially vertical plane. The second rotation couplings provide selectively controllable rotation of the electrically insulated support posts about corresponding second axes of rotation between a retracted position substantially laid flush along the beam and a pick-up position ready to receive a conductor being supported. An actuated scissor linkage is mounted to the beam and the boom mounting adaptor for selectively adjusting an angular position of the beam relative to the boom mounting adaptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: CLIFFORD WILLIAM DEVINE, DANIEL NEIL O'CONNELL
  • Patent number: 8684333
    Abstract: A boom mountable robotic arm for includes a beam pivotally mounted on a boom mounting adaptor, at least two electrically insulated support posts mounted to and spaced apart along the beam, and at least a first rotation coupling and a plurality of second rotation couplings. The first rotation coupling provides pivotal mounting of the beam on the boom mounting adaptor so as to provide selectively controllable rotation of the beam in a substantially vertical plane. The second rotation couplings provide selectively controllable rotation of the electrically insulated support posts about corresponding second axes of rotation between a retracted position substantially laid flush along the beam and a pick-up position ready to receive a conductor being supported. An actuated scissor linkage is mounted to the beam and the boom mounting adaptor for selectively adjusting an angular position of the beam relative to the boom mounting adaptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Quanta Associates, L.P.
    Inventors: Clifford William Devine, Daniel Neil O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20140069717
    Abstract: A boom mountable robotic arm for temporarily supporting an elongate conductor includes a rigid member such as a beam or beam assembly adapted for mounting onto the upper end of a boom for example using a boom adaptor, at least one electrically insulated support post mounted to the rigid member, where each post temporarily supports an elongate electrical conductor, and at least two rotation devices for selectively controllable rotation of the rigid member and the electrically insulated support posts about at least two corresponding axes of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: CLIFFORD WILLIAM DEVINE, DANIEL NEIL O'CONNELL
  • Patent number: 8585020
    Abstract: A boom mountable robotic arm for temporarily supporting an elongate conductor includes a rigid member such as a beam or beam assembly adapted for mounting onto the upper end of a boom for example using a boom adaptor, at least one electrically insulated support post mounted to the rigid member, where each post temporarily supports an elongate electrical conductor, and at least two rotation devices for selectively controllable rotation of the rigid member and the electrically insulated support posts about at least two corresponding axes of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Quanta Associates, L.P.
    Inventors: Clifford William Devine, Daniel Neil O'Connell
  • Patent number: 8573562
    Abstract: A manipulator for separating sub-conductors in an energized single phase bundle includes a rigid support member and first and second actuators mounted on the support member, wherein each actuator is independently actuable of the other. Insulators are mounted on each actuator. A selectively releasable coupler is mounted on each insulator for selectively releasable coupling of each insulator to a corresponding sub-conductor. The actuators extend corresponding insulators independently of one another from the support member to thereby separate from each other by an optimized separation distance the distal ends of each insulator. When the corresponding sub-conductors of the single phase bundle are releasably coupled to the corresponding distal ends of the insulators the surge impedance loading of the single phase bundle may be improved by separation of the corresponding distal ends of the insulators and the sub-conductors by the optimized separation distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Quanta Associates, L.P.
    Inventors: Clifford William Devine, Daniel Neil O'Connell
  • Patent number: 8508081
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling and/or stringing energized conductor for a high voltage power line conductor for a high voltage power line is provided. The method includes bringing components and workers to the same electrical potential and transferring power from one contractor to another. Associated apparatus is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Quanta Associates, L.P.
    Inventors: Clifford William Devine, Daniel Neil O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20120286108
    Abstract: A boom mountable robotic arm for temporarily supporting an elongate conductor includes a rigid member such as a beam or beam assembly adapted for mounting onto the upper end of a boom for example using a boom adaptor, at least one electrically insulated support post mounted to the rigid member, where each post temporarily supports an elongate electrical conductor, and at least two rotation devices for selectively controllable rotation of the rigid member and the electrically insulated support posts about at least two corresponding axes of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicants: QUANTA SERVICES OF CANADA LTD., QUANTA SERVICES, INC., QUANTA ASSOCIATES, L.P., QUANTA ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC, QSI, INC.
    Inventors: Clifford William Devine, Daniel Neil O'Connell
  • Patent number: 8226069
    Abstract: A boom mountable robotic arm for temporarily supporting an elongate conductor includes a rigid member such as a beam or beam assembly adapted for mounting onto the upper end of a boom for example using a boom adaptor, at least one electrically insulated support post mounted to the rigid member, where each post temporarily supports an elongate electrical conductor, and at least two rotation devices for selectively controllable rotation of the rigid member and the electrically insulated support posts about at least two corresponding axes of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Quanta Associates, L.P.
    Inventors: Clifford William Devine, Daniel Neil O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20120175575
    Abstract: A boom mountable robotic arm for includes a beam pivotally mounted on a boom mounting adaptor, at least two electrically insulated support posts mounted to and spaced apart along the beam, and at least a first rotation coupling and a plurality of second rotation couplings. The first rotation coupling provides pivotal mounting of the beam on the boom mounting adaptor so as to provide selectively controllable rotation of the beam in a substantially vertical plane. The second rotation couplings provide selectively controllable rotation of the electrically insulated support posts about corresponding second axes of rotation between a retracted position substantially laid flush along the beam and a pick-up position ready to receive a conductor being supported. An actuated scissor linkage is mounted to the beam and the boom mounting adaptor for selectively adjusting an angular position of the beam relative to the boom mounting adaptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Clifford William Devine, Daniel Neil O'Connell
  • Patent number: 7977571
    Abstract: A conductor supporting assembly includes a pair of yokes having a pair of cables extending therebetween in spaced parallel array. Actuators tension the cables so as to selectively draw the yokes toward each other along the cables. Grips cooperate with yokes for mounting the yokes in spaced apart array to and along a conductor segment of a conductor to be serviced so as to extend the conductor segment along and substantially medially between the yokes. The drawing of the yokes toward each other thereby de-tensions the conductor segment to allow for repair or service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Quanta Associates, L.P.
    Inventors: Clifford William Devine, Daniel Neil O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20100133490
    Abstract: A boom mountable robotic arm for temporarily supporting an elongate conductor includes a rigid member such as a beam or beam assembly adapted for mounting onto the upper end of a boom for example using a boom adaptor, at least one electrically insulated support post mounted to the rigid member, where each post temporarily supports an elongate electrical conductor, and at least two rotation devices for selectively controllable rotation of the rigid member and the electrically insulated support posts about at least two corresponding axes of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Clifford William Devine, Daneil Neil O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20090206305
    Abstract: A manipulator for separating sub-conductors in an energized single phase bundle includes a rigid support member and first and second actuators mounted on the support member, wherein each actuator is independently actuable of the other. Insulators are mounted on each actuator. A selectively releasable coupler is mounted on each insulator for selectively releasable coupling of each insulator to a corresponding sub-conductor. The actuators extend corresponding insulators independently of one another from the support member to thereby separate from each other by an optimized separation distance the distal ends of each insulator When the corresponding sub-conductors of the single phase bundle are releasably coupled to the corresponding distal ends of the insulators the surge impedance loading of the single phase bundle may be improved by separation of the corresponding distal ends of the insulators and the sub-conductors by the optimized separation distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Clifford William Devine, Daniel Neil O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20090195083
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling and/or stringing energized conductor for a high voltage power line conductor for a high voltage power line is provided. The method includes bringing components and workers to the same electrical potential and transferring power from one contractor to another. Associated apparatus is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Clifford William Devine, Daniel Neil O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20080054235
    Abstract: A conductor supporting assembly includes a pair of yokes having a pair of cables extending therebetween in spaced parallel array. Actuators tension the cables so as to selectively draw the yokes toward each other along the cables. Grips cooperate with yokes for mounting the yokes in spaced apart array to and along a conductor segment of a conductor to be serviced so as to extend the conductor segment along and substantially medially between the yokes. The drawing of the yokes toward each other thereby de-tensions the conductor segment to allow for repair or service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Clifford William Devine, Daniel Neil O'Connell
  • Patent number: 6837671
    Abstract: A remotely-controlled manipulator for mounting to the end of a telescopic boom, includes at least one releasable support mounted to a cross member for releasably holding or clamping an elongate object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventors: Clifford William Devine, Daniel Neil O'Connell