Electricity: conductors and insulators – Overhead – Ground clamps and cable clips
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-21
2001-11-13
Reichard, Dean A. (Department: 2831)
Electricity: conductors and insulators
Overhead
Ground clamps and cable clips
C174S044000, C174S146000, C174S154000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06316724
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to apparatus for maintaining separation of suspended electrical conductors arranged in a three phase “straight line” system, and also to such devices that are non-conductive in nature.
2. Description of Prior Art
A common overhead electric distribution system generally operates in one of two ways, either in an arrangement known as a “grounded wye system,” or in a “delta system.” In both systems, three primary conductors operate at voltages 120 degrees out of phase with one another (commonly referred to as a “3-phase system”), with the voltage traveling out from a source (typically a “sub-station”) through the primary conductors, and then returning to the source. In the grounded wye system, the voltage returns to the source through a neutral (grounded) conductor, while in the delta system, the voltage returns through one of the primary conductors.
When a conductor makes contact with a primary conductor of a different phase voltage there is a difference in potential thereby causing a fault. Environmental and/or site conditions such as high winds, ice, falling tree limbs, and distortion of utility pole sets cause conductors to come into contact with one another, thus creating faults in the system. Most electric distribution systems do take precautionary measures by employing over current protective devices such as sub-station breakers, sectionalizers and fused disconnects in order to prevent major damage to the system and minimize the effects of a potentially dangerous situation. Even with the aid of these types of devices, however, the system down time due to the fault is very costly to the utility company and very inconvenient for the people whose power is off until the fault is corrected.
Quite often 3-phase systems are arranged with the conductors in a triangular configuration. The present inventor's U.S. Pat. No. 5,801,336, and the prior art cited therein, disclose spacer apparatus used for maintaining separation of the conductor in a triangular configuration. On occasion, however, the system is arranged with the conductors extending at least partially in a common horizontal plane, in most instances, about 42 inches separating each conductor.
3. Objects and Advantages
It is therefore a principal object and advantage of the present invention to provide a spacer that is useful in maintaining separation of electrical conductors positioned in a common horizontal plane.
It is another object and advantage to provide a spacer that is non-conductive.
It is a further object and advantage of the present invention to provide a spacer that is easily and relatively inexpensively to manufacture.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will in part be obvious, and in part appear hereinafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the foregoing objects and advantages, the present invention provides a spacer apparatus generally comprised of three insulators maintained in fixed, spaced relation to one another by a rigid or semi-rigid rod. Each of the insulators are essentially identical in construction, with each including a longitudinally elongated body having a series of skirts longitudinally spaced at predetermined intervals therealong, a central passageway extending longitudinally therethrough, and a conductor retaining portion at one end thereof. A rod, preferably made of fiberglass, is securely attached to, and extends through the opening formed through each of the insulators, thereby maintaining each in fixed, spaced relation to one another.
The conductor retaining portion of the insulators is comprised of three extension bars positioned in parallel, laterally spaced relation to one another and extending along axes that are parallel to, or co-incident with the insulator's longitudinal axis. An anchoring rod extends through each of the extension bars in a position spaced from the end face of the insulator to which it is nearest, thereby creating two, laterally spread apart openings defined by two successively positioned extension bars and the anchoring member. The bottom surfaces of the extension bars include a V-shaped groove cut out therefrom which are intended to engage the top of a conductor, thereby providing a stable resting position for the insulators atop the conductors.
It is intended that the spacer be installed on the conductors at about a mid-span position between adjacent poles, or at any other interval between adjacent poles deemed appropriate. The spacer is installed by a lineman initially placing the unit on top of the conductors such that each conductor is in contacting relation with a portion of the V-shaped groove formed in a conductor retaining portion of an insulator. A tie, preferably a UV resistant, plastic tie, is then wrapped around the underside of the conductor, around the portion of the upper and sides of the anchoring member positioned between successive ones of the extension bars, and through the openings formed between the bars. The ties may then be fastened in any conventional manner, thereby securely retaining the conductor in connected relation to the insulator.
The spacer may be manufactured by inserting a rod, preferably a fiberglass rod, longitudinally through three molds formed in the shape of the insulators. The insulator material, preferably a high density polyethylene, is then injected at a predetermined pressure into the molds. The pressure hardens the material around the rod nearly instantaneously and the molds are then removed. The insulators could also be molded individually, as opposed to simultaneously, around the rod. In addition, the insulators could be molded prior to insertion of a rod therethrough (it would be necessary that such a mold include a cavity to define the opening through which the rod extends).
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Hancock & Estabrook, LLP
McGuire George R.
New Line Concepts, LLC
Reichard Dean A.
Walkenhorst W. David
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