Systems for efficient insulation of electrical structures

• US 7,884,285 B2
• Filed: 05/22/2009
• Issued: 02/08/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 02/02/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Power Line Sentry, LLC
• Original Assignee: Power Line Sentry, LLC
• Inventors: Spencer, Ronald Keith
• Primary Examiner(s): PATEL, DHIRUBHAI R
• Application Number:
  US12/471,153
• Publication Number:
  US 20090294170A1
• Time in Patent Office: 627 Days
• Field of Search: 174/5.R, 174/5.SB, 174/138.F, 174/139, 174/186, 174/138.R, 521/01, 248/74.4, 119/172
• US Class Current: 174/138.00F
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 29/30 preventing or obstructing access or passage, e.g. by means of barriers, spikes, cords, obstacles or sprinkled water
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 29/32 specially adapted for birds, e.g. spikes

Abstract

An animal protectant power line electrical insulator to be placed on structures such as electrical apparatus to protect birds, wildlife and other animals. Specifically the insulator may include, a snap-fit insulating cover configured to fit over an energized part of an electrical structure of a power line, a resiliently flexible separable juncture for application onto the power line and secure closure; and perhaps even at least one formed eye on the cover. A cover may hold itself in place and may be made from plastic, fiberglass, PVC, or other semi-rigid, non-conductive material; molded, formed, or fabricated to fit a desired application.

Claims

1. An animal protectant power line electrical insulator comprising:

a snap-fit insulating cover configured to fit over an energized part of an electrical structure of said power line;

a resiliently flexible separable juncture of said snap-fit insulating cover for application of said snap-fit insulating cover onto said energized part of said electrical structure and secure closure of said snap-fit insulating cover onto said energized part of said electrical structure;

an electrical conductor vibration dampener attached to said snap-fit insulating cover; and

at least one formed eye on said snap-fit insulating cover to allow application by an electrically insulated rod having a hook to which said at least one formed eye of said snap-fit insulating cover is gripped by said hook of said electrically insulated rod and said snap-fit insulating cover is removed from or installed onto said energized part of said electrical structure.

2. An animal protectant power line electrical insulator according to claim 1 wherein said snap-fit insulating cover is an integral electrical conductor wrap.

3. An animal protectant power line electrical insulator according to claim 1 wherein said electrical structure is selected from a group consisting of an insulated bushing of said power line, a cylindrical insulated bushing of said power line, an insulated bushing restraining an electrical conductor of said power line, and a cylindrical insulated bushing restraining an electrical conductor of said power line.

4. An animal protectant power line electrical insulator according to claim 1 wherein said electrical structure comprises a pole top insulator.

5. An animal protectant power line electrical insulator according to claim 1 and further comprising at least one electrical spiral conductor insulator joined to said insulating cover.

6. An animal protectant power line electrical insulator according to claim 1 wherein said electrical structure comprise an angled iron cross-lattice of steel.

7. An animal protectant power line electrical insulator according to claim 1 wherein said resiliently flexible separable juncture of said snap-fit insulating cover comprises elastic memory.

8. An animal protectant power line electrical insulator according to claim 1 wherein said snap-fit insulating cover covers only a select portion of said electrical structure.

9. An animal protectant power line electrical insulator according to claim 1 wherein said electrical conductor vibration dampener comprises an altered end wrap.

10. An animal protectant power line electrical insulator according to claim 1 wherein said resiliently flexible separable juncture comprises a first force transmission surface and a second force transmission surface located on each side of said resiliently flexible separable juncture.

11. An animal protectant power line electrical insulator according to claim 1 and further comprising an electrical conductor access element responsive to said resiliently flexible separable juncture.

12. An animal protectant power line electrical insulator according to claim 1 wherein said snap-fit insulating cover comprises a plurality of electrical conductor compression elements configured to restrain said electrical structure.

13. An animal protectant power line electrical insulator according to claim 12 and further comprising an indentation element coupled to each of said conductor compression elements.