Utility Pole Guide Patents (Class 254/134.3PA)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 9022357
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Marmon Utility, LLC
    Inventors: Jared Argyle, Brian Boisclair, Leonard Jean, Edward Laughlin, Javier Philbrick
  • Publication number: 20140367623
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Leonard P. Jean, Brian Boisclair, Jared Argyle, Bob Biddle, Edward Laughlin, Javier Philbrick
  • Patent number: 8720863
    Abstract: A stringing apparatus for stringing a sock-line, optionally a phase line, within a closed framed opening of a power line tower of H-frame, portal or corset type uses a helicopter for pulling the sock-line where the stringing apparatus is suspended from the helicopter by a tow-line and the sock-line is fastened to it. The stringing apparatus comprises an arcuate channel which is attached to the sock-line and a rotating open spoke star-wheel defining legs the ends of which travel inside the channel and allows a continuous revolution of the star wheel thus allowing the closed frame cross member to travel through one of the gaps between the legs while the sock-line passes to the underside of the cross member and the tow line passes over the cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: VMR Aviation Ltd.
    Inventor: Olivier Combret
  • Patent number: 8714525
    Abstract: A manipulator for lifting conductors of an energized electrical line from a first pole to a second pole. The manipulator has a vertical lifting assembly on which a transverse displacement assembly is mounted. The vertical lifting assembly is attachable to one of the poles by a fastening assembly. The transverse displacement assembly has a mobile element provided with a number of insulators on which conductor holders for receiving the conductors of the electrical line to be lifted are mounted. The transverse displacement of the mobile element and the displacement of another mobile element of the lifting assembly are achieved by motor units controlled by a control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Hyrdo-Quebec
    Inventor: André Lessard
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130256612
    Abstract: A stringing apparatus for stringing a sock-line, optionally a phase line, within a closed framed opening of a power line tower of H-frame, portal or corset type uses a helicopter for pulling the sock-line where the stringing apparatus is suspended from the helicopter by a tow-line and the sock-line is fastened to it. The stringing apparatus comprises an arcuate channel which is attached to the sock-line and a rotating open spoke star-wheel defining legs the ends of which travel inside the channel and allows a continuous revolution of the star wheel thus allowing the closed frame cross member to travel through one of the gaps between the legs while the sock-line passes to the underside of the cross member and the tow line passes over the cross member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Olivier Combret
  • Publication number: 20130214220
    Abstract: A stringing messenger clamp for use in overhead transmission and distribution systems and method of installing a messenger cable is provided. The stringing messenger clamp includes a bracket and an assembly body supported by the bracket, wherein the assembly body has a cable channel sized to receive a portion of a messenger cable. An assembly clamp is movable with respect to the assembly body and closable upon the cable channel. When the assembly clamp is in a closed position, it retains in place the portion of the messenger cable within the cable channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: MARMON UTILITY, LCC
    Inventor: Marmon Utility, LCC
  • Publication number: 20130134369
    Abstract: A temporary support and conductor re-locator includes a mounting arm and corresponding mounting bracket on one end of the arm, the other end supporting a pivotally mounted insulator depending downwardly from a crank arm. The upper end of the crank arm is attached to an actuator which, upon actuation, pivots the crank arm and insulator about the end of the support arm so as to rotate up and out of the way an energized conductor contained in the wire holder at the bottom end of the insulator. The support arm is temporarily mounted to an existing transmission line tower or pole so as to extend outwardly substantially horizontally therefrom thereby cantilevering outwardly of the tower the end of the arm supporting the crank arm and insulator. Actuation of the actuator firstly elevates a lower portion of the crank arm then rotates the crank arm about the cantilevered end of the support arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: David Wabnegger
  • Patent number: 8398057
    Abstract: A stringing block for aerial electric conductor or other aerial cable, intended for hanging to electric line structures, insulators etc., suitable for both manual and helicopter pilot line or conductor stringing, is disclosed. The block comprises one or more ring-shaped sheaves, each one running over one or two small wheels, installed on a small size frame and rotating around their axes. The block is light enough for to prevent conductor/pilot line escaping the shave groove and friction on the shave flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Arie Leib Tukachinsky
  • Publication number: 20130015419
    Abstract: A stringing block for aerial electric conductor or other aerial cable, intended for hanging to electric line structures, insulators etc., suitable for both manual and helicopter pilot line or conductor stringing, is disclosed. The block comprises one or more ring-shaped sheaves, each one running over one or two small wheels, installed on a small size frame and rotating around their axes. The block is light enough for to prevent conductor/pilot line escaping the shave groove and friction on the shave flange. Additionally, a stringing block with hanging point, shifted from the sheave groove centre plane, is disclosed. This shift helps to minimize the conductor friction on the shave flange, especially for the blocks with wide groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Arie Leib Tukachinsky
  • Patent number: 8322689
    Abstract: A line stringing apparatus includes in combination an electric motor, motor controller and a processor switchable between a pulling mode and a tensioning mode. An electric motor expends electrical energy when pulling the line and generates electrical energy when tensioning the line. The processor outputting commands to the motor controller for control thereof and for application of electrical energy from the batteries to the electric motor when in the pulling mode and for application of electrical energy generated by the electric motor to the plurality of batteries when in tensioning mode. The processor limits electric motor torque and speed based on operator commands for speed and torque in said pulling mode; and, the processor controlling electric motor torque in the tensioning mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: TSE International, Inc.
    Inventors: Dutch Johnson, John J. Martin
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120168700
    Abstract: A line stringing apparatus includes in combination an electric motor, motor controller and a processor switchable between a pulling mode and a tensioning mode. An electric motor expends electrical energy when pulling the line and generates electrical energy when tensioning the line. The processor outputting commands to the motor controller for control thereof and for application of electrical energy from the batteries to the electric motor when in the pulling mode and for application of electrical energy generated by the electric motor to the plurality of batteries when in tensioning mode. The processor limits electric motor torque and speed based on operator commands for speed and torque in said pulling mode; and, the processor controlling electric motor torque in the tensioning mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: TSE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: DUTCH JOHNSON, JOHN J. MARTIN
  • 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: 20100102286
    Abstract: A system for installing wire and the like in a conduit which includes a plurality of wire pulling grips and a puling jacket is provided. The wire pulling jacket encloses the wire pulling grips and keeps them bundled together, making it easier for an operator to use the same. The wire pulling jacket protects the pulling grips by preventing the grips from catching on the conduit, and also keeps the pulling grips clean. The pulling jacket also increases operator safety by reducing the risk that the operator gets a finger, glove, or other part of the body caught in the wire puling grips as these are pulled into the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: David Jordan, Michael Jordan
  • Publication number: 20090267037
    Abstract: A line stringing apparatus includes in combination an electric motor, motor controller and a processor switchable between a pulling mode and a tensioning mode. An electric motor expends electrical energy when pulling the line and generates electrical energy when tensioning the line. The processor outputting commands to the motor controller for control thereof and for application of electrical energy from the batteries to the electric motor when in the pulling mode and for application of electrical energy generated by the electric motor to the plurality of batteries when in tensioning mode. The processor limits electric motor torque and speed based on operator commands for speed and torque in said pulling mode; and, the processor controlling electric motor torque in the tensioning mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Dutch Johnson, John J. Martin
  • 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: 20080128667
    Abstract: A method of installing an electrical transmission cable includes providing an electrical transmission cable extending from a first end to a second end. The cable includes a flexible, full tension splice between the first end and the second end. Additionally, the electrical transmission cable includes at least one composite wire. Additionally, the flexible, full tension splice is pulled over a first sheave assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Colin McCullough, Herve E. Deve, Todd N. Staffaroni
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20050211963
    Abstract: To erect metal utility poles, a plurality of tubular sections of utility poles are fabricated, each having tapered portions and the diameter of one being slightly larger than the diameter of another. The sections are brought to a site for erection and pulled together with short repeated strokes of a hydraulic cylinder attached to one section with its piston rod connected to another section of utility pole. In one embodiment it is not necessary to manually adjust the mechanism pulling the sections of utility poles together and in another embodiment, a light flexible cord is attached to one section and a hydraulic cylinder to another section. The hydraulic cylinder pulls the cord and when the piston rod is extended for the next retraction, the cord length is adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Publication date: September 29, 2005
    Inventor: Jerry Enns
  • Publication number: 20040149970
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a wire stranding roller and a new method for the same, in a LP insulator being mounted at a cross arm of pin long column and insulating and supporting a high voltage wire, which drastically improves workability and greatly reduces construction cost because the location of a wire don't need to be changed after the stranding and wire pulling, which is easy to work with and is very effective in reducing labor cost and preventing a safety accident because it can easily perform wiring and removing works no matter how large the weight of the wires would be, which is capable of precisely adjusting a dip (degree in which the wire hangs down) because the wire are placed on an insulator, which is to be mounted, during a wire pulling work and also which can solve the problem of securing a work space when carrying out the work applying and uninterruptible method by forming a open-and-shut roller capable of wire insertion and a wire stranding roller consisting of an insulator coupling openi
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Sae-Won Kwon
  • Patent number: 6517052
    Abstract: A system and method for use in the installation of cable between support poles and other structures is provided including brackets, support rollers, clamps, pins, and pulleys that are used to support, guide, and pull such cables during the installation process. The installation tools also allow for the securement of the communication cables to messenger cables which support the communication cables during mid-span runs. The system also utilizes a series of modular pulleys that allow for installation of the cable along pole lines including inside and outside corners. A rope is simply threaded through the various components and the cable is then pulled in using a standard winch, without the necessity of a lift truck that requires a worker to work for extended periods of time at an elevated height. Such installation practices as performed by the present invention allow copper and fiber-based communication cables to be installed safely to reference to the cable integrity as well as to the worker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Marvin Lake
  • Patent number: 6422537
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for stringing static wire to a utility pole. The apparatus comprises a body having a base portion and a pair of arms extending from the base portion in generally opposing directions. Each of the arms has a sleeve attached to its distal end, the sleeves having a generally vertical receiver and an upper bearing surface. Each sleeve receives a jackscrew, the jackscrews having a lower end with a flange sized and shaped so as to be receivable by a coupler of a standard stringing dolly. A nut is threaded on each jackscrew proximate its upper end and bears against the respective sleeve upper bearing surface. A jack handle is provided for turning the nuts and thereby raising and lowering the jackscrews.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventors: Daryl W. Weir, Steven M. Short
  • Patent number: 6315269
    Abstract: The cable support block is for temporarily supporting a lower cable to an upper aerial cable. The support block comprises a rigid arcuate frame having an upper yoke straddling the upper cable, and an idle load-bearing roller rotatably mounted on the frame and supporting the lower cable. An elongated coil spring is fixedly attached at a first end thereof to the frame and defines a second opposite free end portion thereof movable relative to the first end by resilient: deformation of the coil spring. To insert a cable into the arcuate frame, the cable is forcibly abutted against the coil spring which will resiliently yield to allow access of the cable into the arcuate frame by being inwardly deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Electro Saguenay Ltée
    Inventors: Rejean Fleury, Jocelyn Fleury, Jean-Pierre Fleury
  • Patent number: 6315270
    Abstract: A pulley guides a cable on an overhead framework structure which is suspended from a ceiling by a threaded rod. The pulley includes a guide structure which guides the cable longitudinally through the pulley, and further includes a bracket structure which mounts the guide structure on the threaded rod. The guide structure can be mounted on the threaded rod in a first position in which a cable can be moved transversely into and out of the guide structure, and can be alternatively mounted on the threaded rod in a second position in which the cable cannot be moved transversely into or out of the guide structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Marconi Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Fallon
  • Patent number: 6193215
    Abstract: A system for unwinding and laying wires including a device for carrying a wire reel from which the wire to be laid is dispensed an device for unwinding and laying the wire, the device for carrying wire structured and arranged to be held against motion during the unwinding and laying of the wire, a vehicle to which the for unwinding and laying the wire is mounted, the vehicle being movable along a laying path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Societe Des Anciens Etablissements L. Geismar
    Inventor: Frédéric Glemet