Abstract: A device configured to remove a hubcap from a wheel of a vehicle without using torque or leverage applied against a component that is not the hubcap is disclosed. The device is configured to remove the hubcap by applying a force to the hubcap along a first axis that is perpendicular to the hubcap. The device comprises a shaft and a slide hammer. The shaft includes a first end and a second end. The first end includes a hook having a degree of bend greater than 90 degrees. The slide hammer is coupled to the shaft between the first end and the second end. A first force acting on the slide hammer along a first axis perpendicular to the hubcap in a first direction away from the wheel causes the hook to apply a second force to the hubcap along the first axis in the first direction.

Abstract: A portable cross arm support device for temporarily supporting electrical conductors of a power transmission or distribution system. The portable cross arm support is configured for vertical lifting of the conductors. The portable cross arm is configured to fold for facilitating transportation. The portable cross arm has a main support pole mounted in a lifting bracket. Embodiments of the portable cross arm utilize a worm gear lifting system for vertical lifting of the conductors. The cross arm has two opposing horizontal line arms configured to support the electrical conductors. The opposing horizontal line arms extend from a T-connector. The T connector allows the horizontal line arms to pivot to a vertical orientation to provide for folding of the portable cross arm.

Abstract: A grounding clamp uses a spring driving a piston mounted movable jaw as a safety lockout. The movable jaw and a fixed jaw, which may include teeth, form a conductor clamp. The ground clamp mounts on the end of a hot stick to provide for electrically insulated remote operation of the ground clamp by a lineman holding the hot stick and pulling on, or releasing, a lever arm on the hot stick. The system provides increased safety for the lineman as the spring providing the spring loading of the clamp has a high spring force to overcome, thus providing the lockout. The lever arm on the hot stick tool provides mechanical advantage to overcome the spring force and thus release the lockout. The lineman cannot usefully operate the ground clamp manually without the hot stick due to spring force lockout.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide a cross-arm phase-lifter for lifting and maneuvering a utility pole cross-arm without the need to remove the energized power lines from the cross-arm. A first embodiment of the cross-arm phase-lifter may comprise a set of clamps, clamping members, and actuators. When the actuators are driven, the clamping members may secure the clamps onto the cross-arm. Once the clamps are secured, the cross-arm may be lifted and suspended in air. A second embodiment may comprise a lifting plate comprising a plurality of pegs configured to interface with brackets on the cross-arm. When the pegs are engaged with the brackets, the cross-arm may be lifted and suspended in air.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a surgical actuating device including a shaft supporting a first coupling member. The first coupling member includes one or more pairs of apertures. The reload includes a second coupling member including a locking assembly. The second coupling member includes a pair of spring pins positionable within the pair of apertures. The spring pins being movable from an inward position to a radial outward position. The locking assembly includes a lock plate that is moveable from a first position located between the spring pins to a second position spaced from the spring pins. In the radial outward position, the spring pins are received within the apertures of the first coupling member to secure the reload to the surgical actuating member and when the lock plate is in the first position, the reload cannot be separated from the surgical actuating device.

Abstract: A post insulator, a post insulator keeper, and a method of securing a conductor on a post insulator are provided. A post insulator includes: an electrically insulative case including an abutment surface defining a recess; and a keeper rotatably coupled to the case between an open position in which a conductor is receivable into the recess, and a closed position to maintain the conductor in the recess.

Abstract: A hot stick for manipulating a probe from a position a selected distance away from a workpiece, the tool including an arm, a connector coupled to the arm, the connector including a connector body having a contoured first surface, and a mechanism movable relative to the connector body and configured to cooperate with the first surface of the body to retain a probe.

Abstract: An apparatus for restricting a contact head of a catenary grounding device unintentionally falling from a catenary in use that is connectable to the contact head. The apparatus forming part of a contact head of a catenary grounding device for restricting the contact head unintentionally falling from a catenary in use.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a surgical actuating device including a shaft having supporting a first coupling member. The first coupling member includes one or more pairs of apertures. The reload includes a second coupling member including a locking assembly. The second coupling member includes a pair of spring pins positionable within the pair of apertures. The spring pins being movable from an inward position to a radial outward position. The locking assembly includes a lock plate that is moveable from a first position located between the spring pins to a second position spaced from the spring pins. In the radial outward position, the spring pins are received within the apertures of the first coupling member to secure the reload to the surgical actuating member and when the lock plate is in the first position, the reload cannot be separated from the surgical actuating device.

Abstract: A socket for mating with the eyelet of a hot line clamp, an eye nut, an eye bolt, and a wing nut, the socket defining two slots for straddling and axially-rotating a bolt of the hot line clamp to tighten or loosen the hotline clamp.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a surgical actuating device including a shaft having supporting a first coupling member. The first coupling member includes one or more pairs of apertures. The reload includes a second coupling member including a locking assembly. The second coupling member includes a pair of spring pins positionable within the pair of apertures. The spring pins being movable from an inward position to a radial outward position. The locking assembly includes a lock plate that is moveable from a first position located between the spring pins to a second position spaced from the spring pins. In the radial outward position, the spring pins are received within the apertures of the first coupling member to secure the reload to the surgical actuating member and when the lock plate is in the first position, the reload cannot be separated from the surgical actuating device.

Abstract: An adapter for a dielectric hot stick, the hot stick having a hook, the hook being movable along an axis of travel that includes a retracted position where the hook is within an axial passage in the hot stick, and an extended position where the hook is extended past a work end of the hot stick, the adapter comprising: a frame with a hot stick seat shaped to be mounted on the work end of the hot stick, the frame defining a lever passage positioned to at least partially align with the axial passage in use; and a lever assembly pivotally connected to the frame, the lever assembly having a first end with a connector for the hook and being at least partially within the lever passage, and the lever assembly having a second end defining or connected to a tool part to move the tool part relative to the frame to carry out a function when the hook moves along the axis of travel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are used for remotely blocking a cavity of a component_of an energized electrical transmission system. A protector has a blocking part for blocking the cavity of the component. The protector has a hotstick connector. A dielectric hotstick has an engagement part such as a hook at a remote end of the dielectric hotstick. The hook may be removably connected to the external point of attachment for remote installation of the blocking part blocking the cavity within a component, such as a piece of equipment or support structure. The blocking part may be remotely installed blocking the cavity using a dielectric hotstick operated by a user who is in a position outside a safe Limit of Approach. The blocking part may comprise a compressible material such as rubber or memory foam.

Abstract: A conductor lift attachment for a mobile boom or crane vehicle allowing temporarily support of power transmission conductors, e.g., for installation, repair, or maintenance operations. The conductor lift is hingedly attached to a boom tip so that the conductor lift is readily movable between deployed and stowed positions. The conductor lift comprises hinged arms that are selectively movable between opposed, parallel, and intermediate positions.

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.

Abstract: A system for easy installation of the accessory on a building comprising a clip and an installation tool is disclosed. The clip can accept an accessory (e.g. a light string), and reversibly engages the tool. The tool can be conveniently mounted on a elongated handle so the user can work without ascending and descending a ladder. The clip comprises structures to secure it in the tool while the clip and accessory are being positioned. The clip is configured to the flexible and to provide a bias force that maintains the clip and accessory in position once installed on the building member. Once the clip is in the position, the tool can be disengaged from the clip and a new clip inserted in the tool. The invention for example is useful for easy lifting and placement of a string of decorative lights on a building facia or comparable structure.

Abstract: A multi-section telescoping pole for manipulating a tool. Sections of the pole have apertures. A pinch safety locking assembly includes a button configured for movement by a digit on a user's hand to a first position by a first resilient member when received in aligned first and second apertures to restrain the second section from moving relative to the first section and to a second position against a resistance provided by the first resilient member and against an elastic stop to permit relative longitudinal movement between the first and second sections. The pinch safety locking assembly is additionally configured to facilitate assembly by movement of the button by use of an excessive force to a third position against a combined resistance of the first resilient member and the elastic stop to permit relative movement between the pinch safety locking assembly and the second section.

Abstract: A safety assembly that provides a lifeline for utility poles and other tall structures is provided. The safety assembly includes a tubular member and a positioning member. The tubular member has first and second openings to a passage. The passage is configured to receive a rope. The positioning member has a first end and a second end. The first end of the positioning member is configured to be received in at least one of the first and second openings of the tubular member. The second end of the positioning member is configured to be coupled to a reaching member. With the use of the positioning member and the reaching member, the tubular member is positioned to engage the tall structure and the rope passing through the internal passage is used as a lifeline.

Abstract: An extendable device engages and operates a handle mounted on an electrical switching apparatus. The extendable device includes a first linear portion and a second linear portion, each of the first and second linear portions having a first end and a second end, a handle adaptor extending away from the second end of one of the first and second linear portions and a retainer mechanism structured to engage the first linear portion and the second linear portion such that the extendable device can be adjusted to a particular length and maintained at the particular length. The handle adaptor is structured to engage the handle such that the handle can be moved from a first position to a different second position.

Abstract: A tool and method for handling a part within an electrical power transmission system is disclosed, the part having a flange with a hole through the flange. A first jaw and a second jaw are connected to pivot relative to one another and have respective ends that converge upon closure, for example to hold the flange between the respective ends. The first jaw may have a tooth extended at the respective end of the first jaw for fitting within the hole in the flange to hold the flange between the respective ends when the tool is in a closed position. The tool may be a hot stick adapter, or may include a hot stick made at least in part of dielectric material. An actuator may be connected to operate one or both of the first jaw and the second jaw from a user end of the hot stick.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a device to facilitate moving an electrical cable of an electric vehicle charging station. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.