Y10T29/51

FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING SYSTEM

A flexible, multi-product, multi-technology, expandable facility for manufacturing products, such as biologicals, pharmaceuticals, or chemicals, and manufacturing processes using elements of such a facility.

Apparatus for replacing insulators on energized power lines

Apparatus for replacing a suspension insulator on a tower having a davit arm supporting an attached insulator and a conductor shoe attaching an energized conductor to the insulator lower end including a non-conductive board longer than and mounted to the tower below the davit arm, struts extending between the board and the tower, and a movable slider mounted on the board, the slider supporting a jack and a conductor lifting bar attached to the jack. Without contacting any energized components, a lineman moves the slider and operates the jack to lift and support the energized components, detaches the shoe from the insulator, moves the energized components to a remote position on the board, detaches and replaces the insulator while it is supported by a helicopter, moves the slider and operates the jack to lift the shoe into alignment with the insulator and attaches the shoe to the insulator.