Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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HAND-HELD APPARATUS FOR INSTALLING FLASHOVER PROTECTION
COVERS ON ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL
CONDUCTORS AND EQUIPMENT
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to
insulating covers and, more particularly, to devices for
installing insulating covers.
Background of the Invention
Electrical power may be transmitted from a
generation source to consumers via overhead conductors
strung between towers or poles. Electrical power is
conventionally transmitted in phases wherein multiple
conductors are utilized. One or more of these conductors
may be a "hot" conductor that carries a specified amount
of alternating current electric power. Flashover may
result if contact is made between two hot conductors or
between a hot conductor and ground. Non-grounded contact
with a hot conductor, such as when a bird sits upon a hot
conductor, typically does not result in flashover.
The transmission of electrical power from a
generation source to residential areas typically involves
a combination of transmission devices which make up a
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transmission system. In a typical transmission system,
power is generated by a power plant such as a
hydroelectric installation, a steam installation or a
nuclear plant. The output from a power plant generator is
normally about 25 kilovolts (kv). The output from a power
plant generator is typically transmitted to a step-up
substation where the voltage is increased to a
transmission line voltage of 230 kv or higher. The next
substation encountered is typically a transmission
substation where the transmission voltage is decreased
from the transmission line voltage to a sub-transmission
voltage of approximately 69 kv. A distribution substation
is then typically used to step the voltage down from the
transmission voltage to a distribution voltage of about
5 to 35 kv. The distribution voltage is the voltage that
is transmitted to a residential area, either through
overhead or underground distribution systems. Single
phase transformers are typically provided at the
residential level to reduce voltage to a 240-120 volt,
single phase, three wire residential power entrance.
Because uninsulated conductors are typically
less expensive than insulated conductors, many electric
power suppliers utilize uninsulated conductors for the
transmission and distribution of electric power. Although
uninsulated conductors may be less expensive to install
than insulated conductors, potentially costly problems
may arise from the use of uninsulated conductors.
Adequate clearances between conductors and/or other
grounded objects may not be sustainable during adverse
weather conditions (i.e., storms and high winds). As a
result, the potential for flashover caused by uninsulated
conductors contacting each other or other objects may be
increased. Another source of flashover may be caused by
large birds and animals which have sufficient size to
make contact with a hot conductor and a grounded object
or another conductor. In addition, falling trees and tree
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branches may cause contact between hot conductors and
ground which may result in flashover.
Substations typically include various steel
structures for supporting power transmission and
distribution equipment, such as circuit breakers,
transformers, capacitors, regulators, hook switches and
the like. Uninsulated conductors typically extend between
the equipment in a substation in various directions and
configurations. Because workers often work in close
proximity to the equipment in a substation, it is
typically desirable to cover at least some portions of
the uninsulated conductors as well as grounded structures
in the vicinity of uninsulated conductors.
Flashover may result in power outages which are
undesirable to electric power suppliers and to consumers.
For existing power transmission and distribution systems,
electric power suppliers may find it desirable to replace
uninsulated conductors with insulated ones in order to
reduce the likelihood of flashover. Unfortunately, the
cost of replacing uninsulated conductors with insulated
conductors may be expensive. Furthermore, an interruption
in the delivery of power may be required to replace
uninsulated conductors. This may be economically
disadvantageous to an electric power supplier as well as
being undesirable to electric power consumers.
Insulating covers for protecting workers from
hot, uninsulated conductors, as well as for protecting
against flashover, are available. These covers
conventionally include thick rubber tubing, heat-
shrinkable tape, and wrap-around covers. Unfortunately,
there are drawbacks associated with installation methods
for each of these types of covers. Thick rubber tubing
can be somewhat bulky and difficult to install.
Furthermore, tubing covers may require that a conductor
be disconnected from service so that the conductor can be
inserted through the tubing. Such electrical power
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service interruptions may be economically disadvantageous to
an electric power supplier as well as being undesirable to
electric power consumers.
The use of heat-shrinkable tape typically requires the
use of a torch or other heat source for shrinking the tape to
a conductor. The use of a torch or other heat source,
particularly around substation equipment, is generally
undesirable and can be labor intensive. Wrap-around covers
typically do not snap together and typically are secured to a
conductor or other structure using ties. Unfortunately, this
method can be a somewhat labor intensive process as well.
Insulating covers are available that do not require that
a conductor be removed from service. These covers are
typically flexible panels having elongated opposite edge
portions that are configured to be joined together to enclose
a conductor or other elongated structure. Unfortunately,
operations for joining the edges together on these types of
covers can be labor intensive.
Summary of the Invention
Illustrative embodiments of the present invention may
provide hand-held devices that allow a user to quickly join
the edges of flashover protection covers together.
Illustrative embodiments may also provide hand-held
devices that allow a user to quickly install flashover
protection covers on energized conductors without requiring
that the conductors be removed from service during
installation.
In such illustrative embodiments, hand-held devices may
be used to quickly install flashover protection covers around
energized electrical conductors and other equipment. A hand-
held cover installation device
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of an illustrative embodiment includes a rigid frame
having opposite sides. A guide assembly is secured to one
side and a handle is secured to the other side of the
rigid frame. The guide assembly includes an elongated
bottom wall having opposite first and second ends. A pair
of spaced-apart, elongated side walls extend upwardly
from the bottom wall. The side walls converge towards the
bottom wall first end to define a guide assembly outlet
and diverge towards the bottom wall second end to define
a guide assembly inlet.
The guide assembly includes a partition that
aligns the various portions of a flexible panel passing
through the guide assembly during installation of a
cover. According to one embodiment of the present
invention, the partition includes a base member that
extends upwardly from the bottom wall between the
elongated side walls. An elongated top wall is
transversely connected to the base member so as to be
maintained in spaced-apart relationship with the bottom
wall. The guide assembly defines a pair of spaced-apart,
converging passageways that are configured to slidably
receive the elongated edge portions of a flexible panel
therethrough. The converging passageways force together
the opposite edge portions of a flexible panel being
advanced through the guide assembly.
According to another embodiment of the present
invention, a hand-held cover installation device includes
a rigid frame having opposite sides and opposite edge
portions, with a guide assembly secured to one side and a
handle secured to the other side. The guide assembly
includes an elongated bottom wall having opposite first
and second ends. A first set of rollers is rotationally
mounted to the frame first side in spaced-apart
relationship adjacent the elongated bottom wall first
edge portion.'A second set of rollers is rotationally
mounted to the frame first side in spaced-apart
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relationship adjacent the elongated bottom wall second
edge portion. The first and second sets of rollers
converge towards the frame first end to define a guide
assembly outlet, and diverge towards the frame second end
to define a guide assembly inlet. The respective sets of
rollers reduce frictional drag on a flexible panel being
advanced through the apparatus.
The guide assembly includes a partition that
aligns the various portions of a flexible panel passing
through the guide assembly during installation of a
cover. The partition includes a base member that extends
upwardly from the bottom wall between the elongated side
walls. An elongated top wall is transversely connected to
the base member so as to be maintained in spaced-apart
relationship with the bottom wall. The guide assembly
defines a pair of spaced-apart, converging passageways
that are configured to slidably receive the elongated
edge portions of a flexible panel therethrough. The
converging passageways force together the opposite edge
portions of a flexible panel being advanced through the
guide assembly.
According to another embodiment of the present
invention, a hand-held cover installation device includes
an elongated bottom wall having
opposite first and second ends. A pair of spaced-apart,
elongated side walls extend upwardly from the bottom
wall. The elongated side walls converge towards the
elongated bottom wall first end to define an outlet and
diverge towards the elongated bottom wall second end to
define an inlet. The elongated walls have respective
opposite facing undulating surfaces to reduce frictional
drag on a flexible panel being advanced through the
apparatus.
The apparatus includes a partition that aligns
the various portions of a flexible panel passing through
the apparatus during installation of a cover. The
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partition includes a base member that extends upwardly from
the bottom wall between the elongated side walls. An elongated
top wall is transversely connected to the base member so as to
be maintained in spaced-apart relationship with the bottom
wall. The apparatus defines a pair of spaced-apart, converging
passageways that are configured to slidably receive the
elongated edge portions of a flexible panel therethrough. The
converging passageways force together the opposite edge
portions of a flexible panel being advanced through the
apparatus.
Hand-held devices according to illustrative embodiments
of the present invention are particularly advantageous because
they are lightweight and easy to use. With a single arm
motion, the edge portions of a cover surrounding an energized
conductor or other structure can be joined together. As such,
flashover protection covers can be installed on energized
conductors and equipment safely and quickly.
In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the
invention, there is provided a hand-held apparatus for
installing a cover around an article. The cover includes an
elongated flexible panel having generally parallel opposite
first and second edge portions that are configured to be
joined together to enclose the article. The apparatus
includes a frame having opposite first and second sides, and
opposite first and second ends. The apparatus further
includes a guide assembly secured to the frame first side.
The guide assembly includes an elongated bottom wall having
opposite third and fourth ends, and opposite first and second
edge portions. The guide assembly further includes a first
set of spaced-apart rollers rotationally mounted to the frame
first side adjacent the elongated bottom wall first edge
portion. Each of the rollers in the first set rotates about
an axis that is transverse to the frame first side. The guide
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assembly further includes a second set of spaced-apart rollers
rotationally mounted to the frame first side adjacent the
elongated bottom wall second edge portion. Each of the
rollers in the second set rotates about an axis that is
transverse to the frame first side. The first and second sets
of rollers converge towards the frame first end to define a
guide assembly outlet and diverge towards the frame second end
to define a guide assembly inlet. The guide assembly further
includes a partition, which includes a base member that
extends upwardly from the bottom wall between the bottom wall
first and second edge portions. The partition further
includes an elongated top wall transversely connected to the
base member in spaced-apart relationship with the bottom wall.
The top wall includes opposite upper and lower surfaces and
opposite elongated edges. Each elongated edge is maintained
in spaced apart relationship with a respective one of the sets
of rollers to permit passage therebetween of a portion of the
flexible panel adjacent a respective edge portion of the
flexible panel. A first portion of the top wall lower surface
and a first portion of the bottom wall define a first
elongated passageway configured to slidably receive the
flexible panel first edge portion therethrough. A second
portion of the top wall lower surface adjacent the top wall
lower surface first portion and a second portion of the bottom
wall adjacent the bottom wall first portion define a second
elongated passageway configured to slidably receive the
flexible panel second edge portion therethrough. The
elongated guide assembly is configured to join together the
first and second edge portions of the flexible panel as the
flexible panel is advanced through the guide assembly from the
guide assembly inlet to the guide assembly outlet.
In accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the
invention, there is provided a hand-held apparatus for
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installing a cover around an article. The cover includes an
elongated flexible panel having generally parallel opposite
first and second edge portions that are configured to be
joined together to enclose the article. The apparatus
includes a frame having opposite first and second sides, and
opposite first and second ends, and a guide assembly secured
to the frame first side. The guide assembly includes an
elongated bottom wall having opposite third and fourth ends,
and opposite first and second edge portions, and a first set
of spaced-apart rollers rotationally mounted to the frame
first side adjacent the elongated bottom wall first edge
portion. Each of the rollers in the first set rotates about
an axis that is transverse to the frame first side. The guide
assembly further includes a second set of spaced-apart rollers
rotationally mounted to the frame first side adjacent the
elongated bottom wall second edge portion. Each of the
rollers in the second set rotates about an axis that is
transverse to the frame first side. The first and second sets
of rollers converge towards the frame first end to define a
guide assembly outlet and diverge towards the frame second end
to define a guide assembly inlet. The guide assembly further
includes a partition. The partition includes a base member
that extends upwardly from the bottom wall between the bottom
wall first and second edge portions, and an elongated top wall
transversely connected to the base member in spaced-apart
relationship with the bottom wall. The top wall includes
opposite upper and lower surfaces and opposite elongated
edges. Each elongated edge is maintained in spaced apart
relationship with a respective one of the sets of rollers to
permit passage therebetween of a portion of the flexible panel
adjacent a respective edge portion of the flexible panel. The
first set of spaced-apart rollers and the partition define a
first elongated passageway configured to slidably receive the
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flexible panel first edge portion therethrough, and the second
set of spaced-apart rollers and the partition define a second
elongated passageway configured to slidably receive the
flexible panel second edge portion therethrough. The
elongated guide assembly is configured to join together the
first and second edge portions of the flexible panel as the
flexible panel is advanced through the guide assembly from the
guide assembly inlet to the guide assembly outlet.
In accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the
invention, there is provided a hand-held apparatus for
installing a cover around an article. The cover includes an
elongated flexible panel having generally parallel opposite
first and second edge portions that are configured to be
joined together to enclose the article. The apparatus
includes an elongated bottom wall having opposite first and
second ends, and a pair of spaced-apart, elongated side walls
that extend upwardly from the bottom wall. The elongated side
walls converge towards the elongated bottom wall first end to
define an outlet. The elongated side walls diverge towards
the elongated bottom wall second end to define an inlet, and
the elongated walls have respective opposite facing undulating
surfaces. The apparatus further includes a partition, which
includes a base member that extends upwardly from the bottom
wall between the elongated side walls. The partition further
includes an elongated top wall transversely connected to the
base member in spaced-apart relationship with the bottom wall.
The top wall includes opposite upper and lower surfaces and
opposite elongated edges. Each elongated edge is maintained
in spaced apart relationship with a respective one of the side
wall undulating surfaces to permit passage therebetween of a
portion of the flexible panel adjacent a respective edge
portion of the flexible panel. A first portion of the top
wall lower surface and a first portion of the bottom wall
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define a first elongated passageway configured to slidably
receive the flexible panel first edge portion therethrough,
and a second portion of the top wall lower surface adjacent
the top wall lower surface first portion and a second portion
of the bottom wall adjacent the bottom wall first portion
define a second elongated passageway configured to slidably
receive the flexible panel second edge portion therethrough.
The apparatus is configured to join together the first and
second edge portions of the flexible panel as the flexible
panel is advanced through the apparatus from the inlet to the
outlet.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary flashover
protection cover, in an uninstalled configuration.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the flashover protection
cover of Fig. 1 in an installed configuration surrounding an
electrical conductor.
Fig. 3 is a front perspective view of a hand-held device
for installing flashover protection covers according to an
illustrative embodiment of the present invention, wherein the
guide assembly inlet is illustrated.
Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the hand-held device
of Fig. 3 illustrating the guide assembly outlet.
Fig. 5 is an enlarged, front perspective view of the
hand-held device of Fig. 3 illustrating the guide assembly in
greater detail.
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Fig. 6 is a front elevational view of the
hand-held device of Fig. 3 illustrating the flashover
protection cover of Fig. 1 being advanced through the
guide assembly inlet.
Fig. 7 is a top plan view of the hand-held
device of Fig. 3.
Figs. 8 and 9 are rear perspective views of the
hand-held device of Fig. 3 illustrating the flashover
protection cover of Fig. 1 being advanced through the
guide assembly.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a hand-held
device for installing flashover protection covers
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the hand-held
device of Fig. 10 looking toward the guide assembly
inlet.
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the hand-held
device of Fig. 10 illustrating the flashover protection
cover of Fig. 1 being advanced therethrough.
Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a hand-held
device for installing flashover protection covers
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the hand-held
device of Fig. 13 illustrating the flashover protection
cover of Fig. 1 being advanced therethrough.
Detailed Description of the Invention
The present invention now will be described
more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention
are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in
many different forms and should not be construed as
limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure
will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the
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scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like
numbers refer to like elements throughout the discussion
of the drawings.
Flashover Protection Covers
Referring now to Figs. 1-2, an exemplary
flashover protection cover 10 for covering an energized
conductor, or other structure, is illustrated in an
uninstalled configuration (Fig. 1) and in an installed
configuration (Fig. 2). The flashover protection cover 10
includes an elongated flexible panel 12 that defines a
longitudinal direction (indicated by arrow 13). The
flashover protection cover 10 has opposite first and
second surfaces 12a, 12b, and generally parallel,
opposite first and second edge portions 14a, 14b, as
illustrated. The first and second edge portions 14a, 14b
are configured to be joined together such that the first
surface 12a forms a longitudinally extending chamber 16
(Fig. 2) configured to enclose an electrical conductor
20, or other structure, that extends along the
longitudinal direction 13. The second surface 12b forms
an outer surface of the flashover protection cover 10.
In the illustrated embodiment, edge portion 14b
is configured to removably receive edge portion 14a
therewithin. Edge portion 14a has an "arrowhead"
configuration with shoulder portions 15 configured to be
retained by elastic members 17 of edge portion 14b. The
illustrated embodiment provides means for maintaining the
panel edge portions 14a, 14b joined together under
adverse conditions, while allowing the cover to be
removed, if necessary, at a later time.
Still referring to Figs. 1-2, a wall or
creepage extender 22 is connected to the panel inner
surface 12a adjacent the first edge portion 14a, as
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illustrated. The creepage extender 22 is preferably
configured to be longitudinally coextensive with the
first chamber 16 when the panel edge portions 14a, 14b
are joined together. The creepage extender 22 has a free
edge portion 22b that is generally parallel with the
first edge portion 14a, as illustrated. The creepage
extender 22 is designed to retain any electrical
flashover or arcing from the conductor 20 within the
longitudinally extending chamber 16.
Flashover protection covers that may be
installed via hand-held devices according to the present
invention may have various shapes, sizes and
configurations, and are not limited to the illustrated
flashover protection cover of Figs. 1 and 2. Flashover
protection covers are conventionally formed from
polymeric materials of high dielectric strength,
including, but not limited to, medium and high density
polyethylene, and natural and synthetic rubber. However,
flashover protection covers formed from virtually any
type of material may be installed via hand-held devices
according to the present invention.
Flashover Protection Cover Installation Apparatus
Referring now to-Figs. 3-9, a hand-held
apparatus 40 for installing a flashover protection cover
10 around an energized electrical conductor 20 (or other
equipment or structure portion) according to an
embodiment of the present invention, is illustrated. The
hand-held apparatus 40 includes a rigid frame or plate 42
that has opposite first and second sides 42a, 42b. A
guide assembly 44 is secured to the first side 42a of the
plate 42 and a handle 90 is secured to the second side
42b of the plate 42.
It is understood that hand-held devices
according to the present invention are not limited to
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having the illustrated flat plate 42. A rigid frame
having virtually any shape and/or configuration may be
utilized to secure the guide assembly 44 and handle 90
thereto, in accordance with the present invention. For
example a rigid frame having an angled configuration may
be utilized within the spirit and intent of the present
invention.
The illustrated guide assembly 44 includes an
elongated bottom wall 46 having opposite first and second
ends 46a, 46b. A pair of spaced-apart, elongated side
walls 48a, 48b extend upwardly from the bottom wall 46,
as illustrated. The elongated side walls 48a, 48b
converge towards the elongated bottom wall first end 46a
to define a guide assembly outlet 50 (Fig. 4). The
elongated side walls 48a, 48b diverge towards the
elongated bottom wall second end 46b to define a guide
assembly inlet 52 (Fig. 4).
The illustrated guide assembly 44 also includes
a partition 54, the function of which is to help align
the various portions of a flexible panel 12 passing
through the guide assembly 44 during installation of a
cover. As will be described below, the illustrated
partition 54 helps align the first and second edge
portions 14a, 14b of a flexible panel 12 for engagement.
In addition, the partition 54 helps prevent the creepage
extender 22 from becoming entangled with the second edge
portion 14b during cover installation. Preferably, the
partition 54, the bottom wall 46 and the side walls 48a,
48b of the guide assembly 44 are formed from non-
conductive materials having good machinability and wear
resistance. Exemplary materials include, but are not
limited to, DELRINO brand materials and TEFLON brand
materials.
The partition 54 includes a base member 56 that
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extends upwardly from the bottom wall 46 between the
elongated side walls 48a, 48b, as illustrated. An
elongated top wall 58 is transversely connected to the
base member 56=so as to be maintained in spaced-apart
relationship with the bottom wall 46. The top wall 58 and
bottom wall 46 may be in parallel or non-parallel
spaced-apart relationship. The top wall 58 includes
opposite upper and lower surfaces 60, 62 and opposite
elongated edges 64, 66.
As illustrated in the enlarged view of the
hand-held apparatus in Fig. 5, the guide assembly 44
defines a pair of spaced-apart, converging passageways
70, 72 that are configured to slidably receive the
flexible panel first and second edge portions 14a, 14b
therethrough, respectively. A portion 62a of the top wall
lower surface 62, a portion 46d of the bottom wall 46,
and the side wall 48b define a first elongated passageway
70, as illustrated. A portion 62b of the top wall lower
surface 62, a portion 46e of the bottom wall 46, and the
side wall 48a define a second elongated passageway 72, as
illustrated.
The top wall elongated edges 64, 66 are
maintained in spaced-apart relationship with the
respective converging side walls 48a, 48b to permit
passage therebetween of a portion of a flexible panel.
Preferably, each top wall elongated edge 64, 66 is in
parallel spaced-apart relationship with a respective one
of the converging side walls 48a, 48b, as illustrated in
Fig. 7.
Accordingly, as illustrated in Fig. 6, the
first elongated passageway 70 is configured to slidably
receive the flexible panel first edge portion 14a
therethrough. The second elongated passageway 72 is
configured to slidably receive the flexible panel second
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edge portion 14b therethrough. Preferably, the top wall
upper surface 60 is configured to slidably receive the
creepage extender 22 of the illustrated flexible panel 12
thereon. Thus, the guide assembly 44 is configured to
join together the first and second edge portions 14a, 14b
of the flexible panel 12 as the flexible panel 12 is
advanced through the guide assembly 44 from the guide
assembly inlet 52 to the guide assembly outlet 50.
Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate a flexible panel 12
.10 entering the guide assembly inlet 52 and exiting via the
guide assembly outlet 50 as an assembled cover 10. By
grasping the handle 90 and moving the apparatus 40 along
the longitudinal direction 13, relative to the flexible
panel 12 (as illustrated by arrow 92), a user can quickly
and easily engage the edge portions 14a, 14b thereof.
Referring back to Fig. 5, the illustrated
bottom wall portion 46e of the second elongated
passageway 72 includes an elongated channel 47 formed
therein. The channel 47 is provided to accommodate the
thicker configuration of the flexible cover second edge
portion 14b relative to the first edge portion 14a so
that the second edge portion 14b is properly aligned with
the first edge portion 14a as the first and second edge
portions 14a, 14b are joined together. It is understood
that a guide assembly according to the present invention
may have various configurations and shapes to accommodate
flexible panels having different shapes and
configurations.
Still referring to Fig. 5, a pair of spaced-
apart rollers 80, 82 are rotationally mounted to the
rigid plate 42, via bolt 83 and nut 84, downstream from
the elongated guide assembly outlet 50, as illustrated.
The rollers 80, 82 are configured to frictionally engage
the cover 10 as it advances from the guide assembly
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outlet 50 and insure that the first and second edge
portions 14a, 14b are fully joined. The rollers 80, 82
make frictional contact with the cover 10 to help ensure
that the ends 14a, 14b of the flexible panel 12 are
properly joined together as the cover 10 exits from the
guide assembly outlet 50. The rollers 80, 82 are not
driven rollers (i.e., they are "free-wheeling").
Preferably, the rollers 80, 82 have a spaced-
apart distance that is less than a spaced-apart distance
of the converging side walls 48a, 48b at the elongated
guide assembly outlet 50, as illustrated in Fig. 7. In
Fig. 7, D1 represents the distance between the converging
side walls 48a, 48b at the guide assembly outlet 50, and
D2 represents the distance between the rollers 80, 82. As
illustrated, D, is greater than D2. In addition, the
rollers 80, 82 preferably are formed from non-conductive,
polymeric material, such as neoprene, that provides good
frictional contact with the cover 10 exiting the guide
assembly outlet 50.
The illustrated handle 90 extends outwardly
from the rigid plate second side 42b. Handles having
various shapes and configurations may be utilized. The
present invention is not limited to the illustrated
handle 90. Preferably, the handle 90 is formed from non-
conductive materials including, but not limited to,
DELRIN brand materials and TEFLONO brand materials.
Preferably, the free end 90a of the handle 90 is
configured to be secured to a manipulator pole to
facilitate remote operation of the apparatus.
An exemplary manipulator device is referred to as a "hot
stick" in the electrical power industry. Hot sticks are
available from Hastings Fiber Glass Products, Inc.,
Hastings MI and A. B. Chance, Co., Centralia, MO.
Referring now to Figs. 10-12, a hand-held
apparatus 140 for installing a flashover protection cover
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around an energized electrical conductor (see Fig. 2),
or other equipment or structure portion, according to
another embodiment of the present invention, is
illustrated. The illustrated hand-held apparatus 140
5 includes a rigid frame or plate 142 that has opposite
first and second sides 142a, 142b. A guide assembly 144
is secured to the first side 142a of the plate 142 and a
handle 190 is secured to the second side 142b of the
plate 142, as illustrated. The plate 142 also includes
10 opposite first and second ends 143a, 143b.
The illustrated guide assembly 144 includes an
elongated bottom wall 146 having opposite first and
second ends 146a, 146b and opposite first and second edge
portions 147a, 147b. A first set of rollers 148a is
rotationally mounted to the plate first side 142a in
spaced-apart relationship adjacent the elongated bottom
wall first edge portion 147a, as illustrated. Each of the
rollers 148a in the first set is configured to rotate
about an axis (indicated by A) that is transverse to a
plane defined by the plate first side 142a. A second set
of rollers 148b is rotationally mounted to the plate
first side 142a in spaced-apart relationship adjacent the
elongated bottom wall second edge portion 147b, as
illustrated. Each of the rollers 148b in the second set
is configured to rotate about an axis (indicated by A)
that is transverse to a plane defined by the plate first
side 142a. In the illustrated embodiment the axis of
rotation A of the first and second sets of rollers 148a,
148b is substantially normal to a plane defined by the
plate first side 142a.
The first and second sets of rollers 148a, 148b
converge towards the plate first end 143a to define a
guide assembly outlet 150. The first and second sets of
rollers 148a, 148b diverge towards the plate second end
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143b to define a guide assembly inlet 152. The respective
sets of rollers 148a, 148b reduce frictional drag on a
flexible panel 12 (Fig. 12) being advanced through the
apparatus 140.
The illustrated guide assembly 144 also
includes a partition 154, the function of which is to
help align the various portions of a flexible panel 12
(Fig. 12) passing through the guide assembly 144 during
installation of a cover. The illustrated partition 154
helps align the first and second edge portions 14a, 14b
of a flexible panel 12 for engagement. In addition, the
partition 154 helps prevent a creepage extender 22 (Fig.
12) from becoming entangled with the second edge portion
14b during Gover installation. Preferably, the the bottom
wall 146 and the first and second sets of rollers 148a,
148b are formed from non-conductive materials having good
machinability and wear resistance. Exemplary materials
include, but are not limited to, DELRIN brand materials
and TEFLON brand materials. Preferably, the partition
154 is formed from brass. However, it is understood that
the partition 154 may be formed from various types of
materials and is not limited to brass.
The partition 154 includes a base member 156
that extends upwardly from the bottom wall 146 between
the bottom wall first and second edge portions 147a,
147b, as illustrated. An elongated top wall 158 is
transversely connected to the base member 156 so as to be
maintained in spaced-apart relationship with the bottom
wall 146. The top wall 158 and bottom wall 146 may be in
parallel or non-parallel spaced-apart relationship. The
top wall 158 includes opposite upper and lower surfaces
160, 162 and opposite elongated edges 164, 166.
As illustrated in Fig. 11, the guide assembly
144 defines a pair of spaced-apart, converging
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passageways 170, 172 that are configured to slidably
receive the flexible panel first and second edge portions
14a, 14b (Fig. 12) therethrough, respectively. A portion
162a of the top wall lower surface 162, a portion 146d of
the bottom wall 146, and the second set of rollers 148b
define the first elongated passageway 170, as
illustrated. A portion 162b of the top wall lower surface
162, a portion 146e of the bottom wall 146, and the first
set of rollers 148a define the second elongated
passageway 172, as illustrated.
The top wall elongated edges 164, 166 are
maintained in spaced-apart relationship with the
respective converging first and second sets of rollers
148a, 148b to permit passage therebetween of a portion of
a flexible panel 12 (Fig. 12).
As illustrated in Fig. 12, the first elongated
passageway 170 is configured to slidably receive the
flexible panel first edge portion 14a therethrough. The
second elongated passageway 172 is configured to slidably
receive the flexible panel second edge portion 14b
therethrough. Preferably, the top wall upper surface 160
(Figs. 10, 11) is configured to slidably receive a
creepage extender 22 thereon. Thus, the illustrated guide
assembly 144 is configured to join together the first and
second edge portions 14a, 14b of a flexible panel 12 as
the flexible panel 12 is advanced through the guide
assembly 144 from the guide assembly inlet 152 to the
guide assembly outlet 150. It is understood that the
assembled cover 10 would surround a power line. However,-
for clarity, a power line is omitted from Fig. 12.
Referring now to Figs. 13-14, a hand-held
apparatus 240 for installing a flashover protection cover
10 around an energized electrical conductor (see Fig. 2),
or other equipment or structure portion, according to
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another embodiment of the present invention, is
illustrated. The hand-held apparatus 240 includes an
elongated bottom wall 246 having opposite first and
second ends 246a, 246b.
A pair of spaced-apart, elongated side walls
248a, 248b extend upwardly from the bottom wall 246, as
illustrated. The elongated side walls 248a, 248b converge
towards the elongated bottom wall first end 246a to
define an outlet 250. The elongated side walls 248a, 248b
diverge towards the elongated bottom wall second end 246b
to define an inlet 252. The elongated walls have
respective opposite facing undulating surfaces 253a,
253b, as illustrated. The respective undulating surfaces
253a, 253b reduce frictional drag on a flexible panel 12
(Fig. 14) being advanced through the apparatus 240.
It is understood that surfaces having other
configurations that present minimum points of contact
with a flexible panel may be utilized in accordance with
the present invention. For example, the elongated wall
surfaces 253a, 253b may have a square wave configuration
and/or a saw-tooth configuration. The term "undulating"
is intended to mean surfaces having a square wave
configuration and surfaces having a saw-tooth
configuration, in addition to the illustrated surface
configuration of Figs. 13-14.
The illustrated apparatus 240 also includes a
partition 254, the function of which is to help align the
various portions of a flexible panel 12 passing through
the apparatus 240 during installation of a cover. Like
the other partitions described above, the illustrated
partition 254 helps align the first and second edge
portions 14a, 14b of a flexible panel 12 for engagement.
In addition, the partition 254 helps prevent a creepage
extender 22 from becoming entangled with the second edge
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portion 14b during cover installation. Preferably, the
bottom wall 246 and the respective undulating surfaces
253a, 253b are formed from non-conductive materials
having good machinability and wear resistance. Exemplary
materials include, but are not limited to, DELRIN brand
materials and TEFLON brand materials. Preferably, the
partition 254 is formed from brass. However, it is
understood that the partition 254 may be formed from
various types of materials and is not limited to brass.
The partition 254 is similar to the partition
described above with respect to Figs. 10-12 and includes
a base member (not shown) that extends upwardly from the
bottom wall 246 between the respective undulating
surfaces 253a, 253b. An elongated top wall 258 is
transversely connected to the base member so as to be
maintained in spaced-apart relationship with the bottom
wall 246. The top wall 258 and bottom wall 246 may be in
parallel or non-parallel spaced-apart relationship. The
top wall 258 includes opposite upper and lower surfaces
260, 262 and opposite elongated edges 264, 266.
A portion of the top wall lower surface 262, a
portion of the bottom wall 246, and the second wall
undulating surface 253b define a first elongated
passageway 270, as illustrated. A portion of the top wall
lower surface 262, a portion of the bottom wall 246, and
the second wall undulating surface 253a define a second
elongated passageway 272, as illustrated. The top wall
elongated edges 264, 266 are maintained in spaced-apart
relationship with the respective converging first and
second walls 248a, 248b to permit passage therebetween of
a portion of a flexible panel.
As illustrated in Fig. 14, the first elongated
passageway 270 is configured to slidably receive the
flexible panel first edge portion 14a therethrough. The
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second elongated passageway 272 is configured to slidably
receive the flexible panel second edge portion 14b
therethrough. Preferably, the top wall upper surface 260
(Fig. 13) is configured to slidably receive a creepage
extender 22 thereon. Thus, the illustrated apparatus 240
is configured to join together the first and second edge
portions 14a, 14b of a flexible panel 12 as the flexible
panel 12 is advanced through the apparatus 240 from the
inlet 252 to the outlet 250. It is understood that the
assembled cover 10 would surround a power line. However,
for clarity, a power line is omitted from Fig. 14.
The foregoing is illustrative of the present
invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof.
Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention
have been described, those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that many modifications are possible
in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing
from the novel teachings and advantages of this
invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are
intended to be included within the scope of this
invention as defined in the claims. In the claims, means-
plus-function clauses are intended to cover the
structures described herein as performing the recited
function and not only structural equivalents but also
equivalent structures. Therefore, it is to be understood
that the foregoing is illustrative of the present
invention and is not to be construed as limited to the
specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to
the disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments,
are intended to be included within the scope of the
appended claims. The invention is defined by the
following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be
included therein.
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