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: 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 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.