Load-bearing apparatus/systems for location in the vicinity of energized power lines are provided. The apparatus includes a base member. The base member has an upper layer and a backing surface layer. An uppermost surface of the upper layer is adapted to support on it at least power line workers and/or related stringing equipment. At least the uppermost surface of the upper layer is adapted to be electrically conductive. Methods for forming the apparatus are also provided.

Load-bearing apparatus/systems for location in the vicinity of energized power lines are provided. The apparatus includes a base member. The base member has an upper layer and a backing surface layer. An uppermost surface of the upper layer is adapted to support on it at least power line workers and/or related stringing equipment. At least the uppermost surface of the upper layer is adapted to be electrically conductive. Methods for forming the apparatus are also provided.

The present invention relates to replacing conductors in a high-voltage power transfer system. The method provides, for example, a method for maintaining sections of electrically conductive phases in a three-phase power conductor line, wherein the three phases are parallel and spaced apart in an ordered sequence. The phases are strung between support structures and supported above the ground. Maintenance work, which include replacement or repair, is performed on sections of the three phases without interrupting a power load in any one of the three phases and without transposing the relative positions of the phases out of their ordered sequence.

The present invention relates to replacing conductors in a high-voltage power transfer system. The method provides, for example, a method for maintaining sections of electrically conductive phases in a three-phase power conductor line, wherein the three phases are parallel and spaced apart in an ordered sequence. The phases are strung between support structures and supported above the ground. Maintenance work, which include replacement or repair, is performed on sections of the three phases without interrupting a power load in any one of the three phases and without transposing the relative positions of the phases out of their ordered sequence.

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.

A cable grip includes structure to stabilize and center the grip on a cable.

The disclosed robotic system may include (1) a drive subsystem that translates the robotic system along a powerline conductor and (2) a rotation subsystem coupled to the drive subsystem, where (a) the rotation subsystem is coupled to a container that defines an arcuate volume about an axis such that the container partially surrounds the powerline conductor when the axis aligns with the powerline conductor, (b) the container carries a segment of fiber optic cable coupled to the powerline conductor, and (c) the rotation subsystem, while the drive subsystem translates the robotic system along the powerline conductor, rotates the container about the powerline conductor while the axis is aligned with the powerline conductor such that the segment of fiber optic cable is wrapped helically about the powerline conductor. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.

The disclosed robotic system may include (1) a drive subsystem that translates the robotic system along a powerline conductor and (2) a rotation subsystem coupled to the drive subsystem, where (a) the rotation subsystem is coupled to a container that defines an arcuate volume about an axis such that the container partially surrounds the powerline conductor when the axis aligns with the powerline conductor, (b) the container carries a segment of fiber optic cable coupled to the powerline conductor, and (c) the rotation subsystem, while the drive subsystem translates the robotic system along the powerline conductor, rotates the container about the powerline conductor while the axis is aligned with the powerline conductor such that the segment of fiber optic cable is wrapped helically about the powerline conductor. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.

An apparatus for dismounting and mounting a high-voltage line T-connector in a hot-line operation is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a lifting platform (1), a four-axis platform (2) and an end-effector mechanism (3); the four-axis platform (2) and the end-effector mechanism (3) are both electrically conductive structures; the four-axis platform (2) is fixedly mounted on the top of the lifting platform (1), and an insulating layer is provided between the four-axis platform (2) and the lifting platform (1); the four-axis platform (2) is movable in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction, and is rotatable around the Z direction; the four-axis platform (2) is provided with an equipotential mechanism (26); the end-effector mechanism (3) is detachably fastened to the four-axis platform (2); and a bolt loosening/tightening mechanism (312) or a nut cutting device (36) capable of moving in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction is provided on the end-effector mechanism (3). The apparatus replaces a manual hot-line operation manner, so that an operator can be away from a high-altitude and dangerous operation environment, thereby preventing accidents such as electric shock and high-altitude falls from occurring; and high-voltage line T-connectors can be dismounted or mounted under hot-line conditions by means of the end-effector mechanism, thereby avoiding the negative effects of power failure and improving power supply reliability.

An apparatus for dismounting and mounting a high-voltage line T-connector in a hot-line operation is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a lifting platform (1), a four-axis platform (2) and an end-effector mechanism (3); the four-axis platform (2) and the end-effector mechanism (3) are both electrically conductive structures; the four-axis platform (2) is fixedly mounted on the top of the lifting platform (1), and an insulating layer is provided between the four-axis platform (2) and the lifting platform (1); the four-axis platform (2) is movable in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction, and is rotatable around the Z direction; the four-axis platform (2) is provided with an equipotential mechanism (26); the end-effector mechanism (3) is detachably fastened to the four-axis platform (2); and a bolt loosening/tightening mechanism (312) or a nut cutting device (36) capable of moving in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction is provided on the end-effector mechanism (3). The apparatus replaces a manual hot-line operation manner, so that an operator can be away from a high-altitude and dangerous operation environment, thereby preventing accidents such as electric shock and high-altitude falls from occurring; and high-voltage line T-connectors can be dismounted or mounted under hot-line conditions by means of the end-effector mechanism, thereby avoiding the negative effects of power failure and improving power supply reliability.