Abstract: A load break tool is disclosed. The load break tool includes a main housing; a sleeve having a first end and a second end coaxially mounted in the main housing and slidable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the second end of the sleeve remains in the main housing in the extended position; a clip assembly connected to the main housing for engaging a pull ring of a circuit isolating device; and a hook engaging terminal rotatably connected to the first end of the sleeve, such that the hook engaging terminal rotates relative to the clip assembly.

Abstract: A utility probe for use with component is disclosed. The probe includes a body; a shaft extending from the body; and an array of resilient fingers extending from the shaft.

Abstract: A load break tool is disclosed. The load break tool includes a main housing; a sleeve having a first end and a second end coaxially mounted in the main housing and slidable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the second end of the sleeve remains in the main housing in the extended position; a clip assembly connected to the main housing for engaging a pull ring of a circuit isolating device; and a hook engaging terminal rotatably connected to the first end of the sleeve, such that the hook engaging terminal rotates relative to the clip assembly.

Abstract: A conductor cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The conductor cleaning apparatus includes a handle; a first arm pivotally connected to a second arm, the second arm being connected to the handle; and a first wire pad connected to the first arm and a second wire pad connected to the second arm, the first and second wire pads being configured to engage and clean a conductor positioned between the first and second wire pads.

Abstract: A conductor cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The conductor cleaning apparatus includes a handle; a first arm pivotally connected to a second arm, the second arm being connected to the handle; and a first wire pad connected to the first arm and a second wire pad connected to the second arm, the first and second wire pads being configured to engage and clean a conductor positioned between the first and second wire pads.

Abstract: A clamping device is disclosed. The clamping device includes a body having a first end and a second end; a first clamping portion secured to the first end of the body; and a second clamping portion operable to move in a bore of the body relative to the first clamping portion between an open position and a clamped position, the second clamping portion cooperating with the first clamping portion to clamp a cable between the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion.

Abstract: A telescoping utility line pole is disclosed. The pole includes an outer pole section configured to be held in the hand of a user and having an inner bore defined by an inner surface and an inner pole section configured to slide within the bore of the outer pole section. The outer pole section includes a plurality of grooves defined by a plurality of raised sections positioned around a circumference of the inner surface. The inner pole section includes a plurality of lugs positioned on a distal end of the inner pole section. The plurality of lugs and plurality of grooves are keyed to each other. When the plurality of lugs are aligned with the plurality of grooves, the inner pole section is permitted to engage the outer pole section for use by the user.

Abstract: A clamping device is disclosed. The clamping device includes a body having a first end and a second end; a first clamping portion secured to the first end of the body; and a second clamping portion operable to move in a bore of the body relative to the first clamping portion between an open position and a clamped position, the second clamping portion cooperating with the first clamping portion to clamp a cable between the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing utility line poles is disclosed. The apparatus including at least one sensor electrode electrically connected to a high voltage generator; a battery electrically connected to the high voltage generator; and a visual display configured to provide a user with a visual indication of a condition of the insulating pole being tested. The high voltage generator increases a voltage supplied by the battery to a pre-determined voltage and supplies the pre-determined voltage to the at least one sensor electrode. The insulating pole is pressed into contact with the at least one sensor electrode during testing to impart the pre-determined voltage into the insulating pole.

Abstract: A portable load-breaking and pickup apparatus for handling a load associated with a power distribution system is disclosed. The apparatus includes first and second spaced-apart connectors electrically connected by a load break assembly. The load break assembly includes first and second outer contacts configured for mating engagement and configured to provide a low-resistance path between the first and second connectors, and first and second inner contacts configured for mating engagement and configured to provide a high-resistance path between the first and second connectors. The load break assembly transitions from an open position to a closed position in two stages. The two stages include closing the high-resistance path prior to closing the low-resistance path, and closing the low-resistance path after the high-resistance path has been closed.

Abstract: A telescoping utility line pole is disclosed. The pole includes an outer pole section configured to be held in the hand of a user and having an inner bore defined by an inner surface and an inner pole section configured to slide within the bore of the outer pole section. The outer pole section includes a plurality of grooves defined by a plurality of raised sections positioned around a circumference of the inner surface. The inner pole section includes a plurality of lugs positioned on a distal end of the inner pole section. The plurality of lugs and plurality of grooves are keyed to each other. When the plurality of lugs are aligned with the plurality of grooves, the inner pole section is permitted to engage the outer pole section for use by the user.

Abstract: A line-jumper apparatus typically includes a first connector, a second connector, and a housing attached to the first connector and the second connector. In a closed position, the housing provides a low-resistance current path and a high-resistance current path between the first connector and the second connector. In an open position, the housing inhibits current from flowing between the first connector and the second connector. The housing is configured so that, when the housing is transitioned from the closed position to the open position, the low-resistance current path is opened before the high-resistance current path. The housing typically includes a safety mechanism that prevents the low-resistance current path from being opened unless the high-resistance current path is closed.

Abstract: A line-jumper apparatus typically includes a first connector, a second connector, and a housing attached to the first connector and the second connector. In a closed position, the housing provides a low-resistance current path and a high-resistance current path between the first connector and the second connector. In an open position, the housing inhibits current from flowing between the first connector and the second connector. The housing is configured so that, when the housing is transitioned from the closed position to the open position, the low-resistance current path is opened before the high-resistance current path. The housing typically includes a safety mechanism that prevents the low-resistance current path from being opened unless the high-resistance current path is closed.

Abstract: A portable load-breaking and pickup apparatus for handling a load associated with a power distribution system is disclosed. The apparatus includes first and second spaced-apart connectors electrically connected by a load break assembly. The load break assembly includes first and second outer contacts configured for mating engagement and configured to provide a low-resistance path between the first and second connectors, and first and second inner contacts configured for mating engagement and configured to provide a high-resistance path between the first and second connectors. The load break assembly transitions from an open position to a closed position in two stages. The two stages include closing the high-resistance path prior to closing the low-resistance path, and closing the low-resistance path after the high-resistance path has been closed.

Abstract: A line-jumper apparatus typically includes a first connector, a second connector, and a housing attached to the first connector and the second connector. In a closed position, the housing provides a low-resistance current path and a high-resistance current path between the first connector and the second connector. In an open position, the housing inhibits current from flowing between the first connector and the second connector. The housing is configured so that, when the housing is transitioned from the closed position to the open position, the low-resistance current path is opened before the high-resistance current path. The housing typically includes a safety mechanism that prevents the low-resistance current path from being opened unless the high-resistance current path is closed.

Abstract: A portable circuit interrupting apparatus for use on a circuit isolating device and associated methods of formation and use are provided. The portable circuit interrupting apparatus includes a main housing body and a sleeve coaxially mounted therein. The sleeve is slidable between an extended and retracted position. A shunt circuit segment is connected between ring and hook engaging terminals which engage and form an electrical connection between ring-like and hook-like conducting parts of the circuit isolating device. A shunt circuit segment interrupts the electrical connection in response to movement of the sleeve from the retracted position to the extended position. At least portions of a reset plunger extend inwardly through an opening in a medial portion of the sleeve when in the extended position. An operation counter is connected to and responds to the inward extension of the reset plunger to count a number of circuit interrupting operations.

Abstract: A portable utility power line pole and associated methods of assembly and use are provided. The portable utility power line pole includes a pole body adapted to be held in the hand of a user. The portable utility power line pole also can include a tool connector adapted to mount a utility power line tool for use in association with electrical power distribution lines. An alignment indicator in the form of a visible line is positioned on an outer surface of the pole body in alignment with the tool connector to provide the user visualization of a user selected orientation of the utility power line tool when mounted on the tool connector and when the user manipulates the portable utility power line pole at a proximal end of the pole body to select the orientation of the utility power line tool.

Abstract: A utility wildlife protection system is provided including a utility wildlife protector and an installation tool. The utility wildlife protector preferably includes a pair of pivotally connected wildlife guards and a pivot connecting member that can be engaged by an installation tool so that installation can be achieved by a single installer from a great distance away from high voltage equipment to reduce the risk of contacting high voltage equipment.

Abstract: A load-breaking and load-returning apparatus and method of breaking and returning a load are provided for quickly breaking and returning a load to portions of a power line. The apparatus preferably includes at least one power line jumper cable including first and second cable ends and a first connector connected to the first cable end of the at least one power line jumper cable for connecting the at least one power line jumper cable to a portion of a power line. A load-breaking and load-returning device is preferably connected to the second cable end of the at least one power line jumper cable for quickly breaking and returning a load to portions of a power line responsive to a user thereof. The load-breaking and load-returning device preferably includes a second connector for connecting the load-breaking and load-returning device to a portion of a power line.

Abstract: A portable circuit interrupting apparatus for use in association with a circuit isolating device such as a fuse cutout, disconnecting switch, or power fuse. The apparatus comprises a tubular housing, with a sleeve coaxially and slidably mounted within the housing. A ring engaging terminal is mounted to the housing and is adapted to engage a ring-like conducting part of the isolating device, and a hook engaging terminal is mounted to the sleeve and is adapted to engage a hook-like conducting part of the isolating device. The ring engaging terminal is mounted to the housing by means of a tubular cylinder fixed to the housing, and a shuttle slidably mounted in the tubular cylinder and so as to be lockable in each of at least two axially spaced apart positions, and the ring engaging terminal is fixed to the shuttle.