FORMING AND USING THE SAME

Field of the Invention

[001] The present invention relates to electrical powei lines and. more particularly, to in-line isolation apparatus for electric power lines

Background of the Invention

[002] In-line isolation devices such as in-line disconnect switches are commonly employed in electric power transmission lines where it is desired to permanently or selectively isolate a power line such as an overhead power line. Known isolation devices include a pair of end pieces (which may be referred to as dead ends) connected by an elongate insulator. The end pieces are each clamped to a power line The power line is then cut between the end pieces so that the isolation device mechanically couples and electrically isolates the two ends of the power line. Examples of devices of this type are disclosed in Canadian Patent No 2,092.741. U.S Patent No. 5.581.051 to Hill, and U.S. Patent No. 5,942.723 to Laricchia.

Summary' of the Invention

[003] According to embodiments of the present invention, an isolating apparatus for an electric power line includes an elongate insulator having opposed insulator ends and a pair of electrically conductive end members each secured to a respective one of the insulator ends At least one of the end members includes a mounting slot that receives its respective one of the insulator ends.

[004] The isolating apparatus may further include a fastener that secures the respective one of the insulator ends in the mounting slot. In some embodiments, each of the end members includes a mounting slot that receives its iespective one of the insulator ends, and the isolating apparatus further includes a respective fastener securing each insulator end in its lespective mounting slot The isolating appaiatus may furthei include a second elongate insulator having a body and opposed insulator ends, wherein the end membeis aie each seemed to a respective one of the insulatoi ends of the second msulatoi, and each of the end membeis includes a second mounting slot that leceives its lespective one of the insulator ends of the second insulator and the isolating apparatus further includes a lespective fastenei securing each msulatoi end of the second insulator m its respective mounting slot In some embodiments, the end members and the first and second insulators are relatively aπanged and configuied such that the fiist and second msulatoi s extend between the end members in spaced apait. coextensne, substantially parallel i elation Accoidmg to some embodiments, the fastener is a bolt, and the lespective one of the insulator ends is seemed in the mounting slot by only the single bolt In some embodiments, the insulator includes a connectoi lug on the lespective one of the msulatoi ends and the connectoi lug is disposed m the mounting slot and the fastenei engages the lug

[005] Accoidmg to some embodiments, the mounting slot is configuied to alternatively leceive each of a square msulatoi lug and a round msulatoi lug

[006] In some embodiments, the at least one of the end membeis includes at least one stabilizer structuie extending into the mounting slot and configuied to engage the lespectrve one of the insulator ends to limit iotation of the msulatoi about an axis transveise to a lengthwise axis of the msulatoi

[007] Accoidmg to some embodiments, the msulatoi defines a lengthwise axis extending between the msulatoi ends, and the mounting slot opens laterally with respect to the lengthwise axis to leceive the lespectrve one of the msulatoi ends

[008] Each end membei may include a coupling iod to secure the end member to the powei line The isolating apparatus can furthei include a wedge connectoi associated with each coupling iod to secuie the end membei to the powei line

[009] In some embodiments the isolating appaiatus further includes a blade switch including an electiically conductive blade member electrically and pivotal!} connected to one of the end members such that the blade member is selectively movable between a closed position, wherein the blade membei engages the other end member to provide electrical continuity between the end members, and an open position, wherein the blade membei is out of contact with the othei end member, and a lockout mechanism selectively operable to secure the blade membei in the open position and alternatively, to permit the blade member to be transitioned to the closed position [0010] Accoiding to embodiments of the present invention, an end member for foimmg an isolating apparatus for an electric power line, the isolating apparatus including a pan of the end members and an elongate msulatoi includes an electrically conductive end member body having a mounting slot defined therein The mounting slot is arranged and configuied to leceive an insulator end of the msulatoi

[0011] The end membei may include a fastener to secure the insulator end to the end member Accoidmg to some embodiments, the end member body has a second mounting slot defined theiem. and the second mounting slot is arranged and configured to receive an msulatoi end of a second insulator to secure the msulatoi end of the second insulator to the end member such that the fust and second msulatoi s extend from the end membei in spaced apart, coextensive, substantially paiallel i elation

[0012] In some embodiments, the mounting slot is configured to alternatively leceive each of a squaie msulatoi lug and a iound insulator lug of the msulatoi

[0013] According to some embodiments the end membei includes at least one stabihzei stiuctuie extending into the mounting slot and configured to engage the insulator end to limit iotation of the insulator about an axis tiansveise to a lengthwise axis of the msulatoi

[0014] In some embodiments, the msulatoi defines a lengthwise axis extending between the msulatoi ends, and the mounting slot opens laterally with respect to the lengthwise axis to leceive the lespective one of the insulator ends

[0015] The body can include a coupling rod to secuie the end membei to the power line

[0016] According to method embodiments of the present invention, a method for providing an isolation appaiatus for an electiic power line includes securing a pair of electrically conductive end members to respective opposed msulatoi ends of an elongate msulatoi The step of seeming includes inserting at least one of the insulator ends in a mounting slot of the lespective end membei

[0017] The step of securing may include securing the msulatoi end in the mounting slot with a fastenei Accoidmg to some embodiments, the fastener is a bolt, and the respective one of the insulator ends is seemed in the mounting slot by onl> the single bolt The step of seeming may include inserting each of the msulatoi ends in a mounting slot of its lespective end member, and securing each insulator end in the associated mounting slot with a respective fastener The method may further include seeming a second elongate msulatoi to the end members by inserting each of the insulator ends in a respective mounting slot of its respective end member, and securing each insulator end m the associated mounting slot with a respective fastener, such that the first and second insulators extend between the end members in spaced apart, coextensive, substantially parallel relation

[0018] The method can include, prior to the step of securing' providing a plurality of insulators of different lengths; and selecting the insulator from the plurality of insulators, wherein the length of the insulatoi coπesponds to a desired voltage rating. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a plurality of electrically conductive blade members of different lengths, selecting a blade member from the plurality of blade members, wherein the length of the blade member corresponds to the length of the selected insulator, and electrically and pivotally connecting the blade member to one of the end members such that the blade member is selectively movable between a closed position, wherein the blade membei engages the other end member to provide electrical continuity between the end members, and an open position, wherein the blade member is out of contact with the other end member.

[0019] According to embodiments of the present invention, an isolating apparatus for an electric power line includes an elongate insulator, first and second electrically conductive end members, a blade switch, and a lockout mechanism. The elongate insulator has opposed insulator ends. The first and second electrically conductive end members aie each seemed to a respective one of the insulator ends. The blade switch includes an electrically conductive blade member electrically and pivotally connected to the first end member. The blade membei is selectively movable between a closed position, wherein the blade member engages the second end member to provide electrical continuity between the first and second end members, and an open position, wherein the blade member is out of contact with the second end member. The lockout mechanism is selectively operable to secure the blade member in the open position and. alternatively, to permit the blade member to be txansitioned to the closed position

[0020] The locking mechanism may include a lock member that extends thiough the blade member when the blade member is in the open position.

[0021] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a locking member that is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The isolating apparatus may include a spring member to retain the locking member in the locked position.

[0022] Further features, advantages and details of the present invention will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill m the art fiom a reading of the figures and the detailed description of the piefeπed embodiments that follow, such desciiption being merely lllustiative of the piesent invention

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of an isolating appaiatus according to embodiments of the present invention

[0024] Figure 2 is an exploded, top perspective view of the isolating apparatus of Figure 1

[0025] Figure 3 is a bottom peispective view of the isolating appaiatus of Figure 1

[0026] Figure 4 is an exploded, bottom perspective view of the isolating appaiatus of Figure 1

[0027] Figure 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary peispecti\e view of a mounting stiuctuie of the isolating apparatus of Figure 1

[0028] Figure 6 is an enlarged fiagmentary, cioss-sectional view of the mounting structme of Figure 5 taken along the line 6-6 of Figure 5

[0029] Figure 7 is an enlaiged, top plan view of the mounting structuie of Figure 5 with a iound lug mounted theiem

[0030] Figure 8 is a top peispective view of the isolating appaiatus of Figure 1 mounted on the power line, wheiem a blade switch mechanism of the isolating apparatus is in a closed position

[0031] Figure 9 is a fiagmentary. side view of the isolating apparatus of Figure 1 with the blade mechanism in the closed position

[0032] Figure 10 is an enlarged, fiagmentary, perspective view of the isolating appaiatus of Figure 1 wheiem a blade thereof is in an open position and a lockout mechanism thereof is m an unlocked position

[0033] Figure 11 is a top peispective view of the isolating appaiatus of Figure 1 mounted on the power line, wherein the blade swatch mechanism is in a locked open position

[0034] Figure 12 is an enlarged, top plan view of the mounting structuie of Figure 5 with a square lug mounted theiem Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

[0035] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the relative sizes of regions or features may be exaggerated for clarity. 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 scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0036] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

[0037] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90° or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0038] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "includes," "comprises," "including" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0040] With reference to Figures 1-12, an in-line isolating apparatus 100 according to embodiments of the present invention is shown therein. The isolating apparatus 100 may be used with a pair of wedge connectors 20 (or other suitable connectors) to form an in-line isolation assembly 5 (Figures 8-11) wherein a pair of power lines, cable segments or cables 12. 14 are mechanically coupled and electrically isolated by the isolating apparatus 100. The cables 12. 14 may be initially provided as an integral (mechanically and electrically continuous) power line 10 that is severed into the cables 12. 14 as part of the procedure for forming the in-line isolation assembly 5. The isolating apparatus 100 may be referred to as an in-line disconnect device or an in-line switch because it further incorporates a switch mechanism as discussed herein

[0041] The isolating apparatus 100 includes a pair of end members 130. 150 joined by a pair of insulators 110. 120. The isolating apparatus 100 further includes a blade switch mechanism 170 and a plurality of connecting bolts 102. nuts 104. and washers 106. Some or all of the fastening components 102. 104, 106 may be replaced with other types of fastening components such as rivets. The isolating apparatus 100 has a lengthwise axis L-L (Figure

1).

[0042] The insulator 110 is elongate and has opposed ends HOA. HOB and a lengthwise insulator axis A-A (Figure 1). The insulator 110 includes an electrically insulating body 112 and connector lugs 116 secured to either end of the body 112 (e g . by crimping). The insulating body 112 may be of any suitable construction. According to some embodiments, the insulating body 112 includes a rigid (e.g., fiberglass) rod surrounded by a rubberized cover. Radially outwardly extending sheds 114 may be provided, which may form a part of the rubberized cover. According to some embodiments, the insulating body 112 is foimed of any suitable material, such as aluminum A fastening hole 118 extends laterally through each lug 116

[0043] The msulatoi 120 may be formed m the same manner as described above foi the insulator 110 and has a lengthwise axis B-B, opposed ends 120A, 120B, an insulating body 122 (with sheds 124). and lugs 126 (with fastening holes 128)

[0044] The end member 130 (which may also be referred to as a ^* dead end ^" ) includes a body or yoke membei 132 and a coupling rod 134, which may be mtegially foimed with the yoke member 132 A lengthwise cable groove 134A is defined in the coupling iod 134 and a pulling eye 134B is provided on an outei end of the rod 134

[0045] The end member 130 furthei includes a ietainei mechanism 136 The ietamei mechanism 136 includes a keepei bai 136A iotatable between an open position (as shown in Figure 1) and a closed position (as shown in Figure 8) In the open position, the keeper bar 136A permits a cable to be laid laterally into the giooΛ e 134A and. in the closed position the keepei bai 136A can pi event a cable fiom being lateially removed from the groove 134A According to some embodiments, the ietamer mechanism 136 is constructed and opeiable as disclosed m U S Patent No 5,942,723 to Laπcchia. the disclosure of which is incorporated heiem by iefeience

[0046] Laterall} spaced apart mounting structuies 140L 140R are located on the inner end of the yoke membei 132, and may be integrally formed (e g . by casting) therewith A mounting pocket oi slot 142 is defined m each mounting structure 140L 140R Each mounting slot 142 has a lengthwise axis C-C substantially parallel to the axis A-A Each mounting slot 142 has an axial enhance opening 144A and a lateial opening 144B A fastener hole 148 extends lateially thiough each mounting structure 140L 140R to the mounting slot 142 thereof A stabilize, structuie 146 is located in each mounting slot 140L 140R and may take the form of a U-shaped ring as shown Each stabilizer structuie 146 defines a slot 146A Each stabihzei stiuctuie 146 may be mtegrall) formed with the coirespondmg mounting stiuctuie 140L 140R (e g . by casting) Each stabilizer structure 146 defines an outei subslot or lug cavity 144C in its mounting slot 142

[0047] Accoidmg to some embodiments each lug cavity 144C has a width E (Figure 7) m the range of fiom about 2 to 3 inches According to some embodiments, the clearance between each lug 116 and the adjacent side walls defining the lug cavity 144C is in the range of fiom about 0 005 to 0 03 inch Accoidmg to some embodiments each lug cavity 144C has a depth F (Figure 6) in the iange of from about 0 5 to 1 inch Accoiding to some embodiments, the depth F is greater than the thickness N (Figure 2) of each lug 116. According to some embodiments, each mounting slot 142 has an inner length Gl (i e , from the inner side of the axial entrance opening 144A to the lug cavity 144C; Figure 6) m the range of from about 1 to 1.5 inches. According to some embodiments, each lug cavity 144C has a length G2 (i e . from the outer side of the stabilizer structure 146 to the outer end of the lug cavity 144C; Figure 6) in the range of from about 2 to 3 inches. According to some embodiments, the width H (Figure 7) of each axial entrance opening 144A is in the range of from about 1 to 2 inches of the insulator 110 oi 120 to be leceived thereby. Accoiding to some embodiments, the width I (Figure 7) of each stabilizer slot 146A is in the range of from about 1 to 2 inches of the insulator 110 or 120 to be leceived thereby. According to some embodiments, the entrance opening 144A and the stabilizer slot 146A each provide a clearance in the range of from about 0 005 to 0 03 inch about the portion of the insulator 110. 120 received therein

[0048] The end member 130 may be formed of any suitable material. Accoiding to some embodiments, the end member 130 is formed of an electrically conductive metal According to some embodiments, the end member 130 is formed of aluminum According to some embodiments, the end membei 130 is unitarily cast.

[0049] The end member 150 may be constructed in the same manner as the end member 130. According to some embodiments and as shown, the retainer mechanism 136. 156 of the end members 130, 150 is configured such that the keeper bars 136A, 156A thereof open to the same side (as shown m Figure 1) The end member 150 has mounting structuies 160L. 160R corresponding to the mounting stiuctures 140L, 140R and having respective mounting slots 162

[0050] The blade switch mechanism 170 includes an electricall} conductive blade member 172, a pivot bracket 174. a receiver bracket 176, and a latch mechanism 178 The receiver bracket 176 is mounted on the end member 150 and the pivot bracket is mounted on the end member 130. The blade member 172 includes a pair of blade plates 179 defining an opening 181 therebetween The blade member 172 has a pivot end 172B pivotably coupled to the pivot bracket 174 (by a bolts 102 extending through pivot holes 172A) for rotation about a transverse pivot axis P-P (Figure 3) between an open position as shown in Figure 11 and a closed position as shown in Figures 3. 8 and 9. In the closed position, a contact end 172A of the blade member 172 is received in and contacts the receiver bracket 176 to provide electrical continuity between the end members 130 and 150 (more particularly, from the coupling rod 134 to the coupling rod 154). In the open position, the contact end 172A is spaced apart from the receiver bracket 176 and the end members 130, 150, being coupled only by the insulators 110, 120, are electrically isolated from one another.

[0051] A latch mechanism 178 may be provided to secure the blade member 172 in the closed position. The latch mechanism 178 includes a latch member 178A and a latch handle 178B for selectively disengaging and/or engaging the latch member 178A with the receiver bracket 176, for example.

[0052] The various components 172, 174, 176, 178A of the latch mechanism 170 can be formed of any suitable electrically conductive materials, such as copper, steel or aluminum.

[0053] The isolating apparatus 100 further includes a lockout mechanism 180. The lockout mechanism 180 includes a lockout member 182, a seat structure 184, a spring 186, and an anchor bolt 188. The lockout member 182 includes a shaft 182A, a pair of opposed lateral extensions or arms 182B extending laterally from the shaft 182A, a pull ring 182C, a threaded mount bore 182D, and a base 182E. The bolt 188 extends through a hole 187 in the end member 130 and is threadedly received in the bore 182D. The spring 186 is mounted on the shank of the bolt 188 and is seated in the hole 187. The base 182E of the lockout member 182 is seated in the seat structure 184 on the end member 130. The seat structure 184 includes risers or prongs 184A (Figure 10) defining a longitudinal slot 184B and a transverse slot 184C. The base 182E can seat alternatively in the slot 184B or the slot 184C.

[0054] In use (as discussed in more detail below), the lockout member 182 can be pulled outwardly along a pull axis J-J against the force of the spring 186 and rotated about the axis J-J to reorient the extension arms 182B. Full removal of the lockout member 182 from the end member 130 is prevented by the head 188A of the bolt 188 and the spring 186.

[0055] The lockout member 182 may be formed of any suitable material, such as aluminum, for example.

[0056] Each wedge connector 20 includes a C-shaped clamp 22 and a wedge member 24. Suitable connectors 20 include AMP ACT™ tap connectors available from Tyco Electronics Corporation. According to some embodiments, the wedge connectors 20 may be constructed and installed as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,942,723 to Laricchia and/or U.S. Published Patent No. 2007/0240301 (Johnston et al ), for example, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0057] The isolating appaiatus 100 may be assembled in the following manner. The lug 116 on the insulator end IIOA is mounted in the mounting slot 142 of the mounting structure 140L, the lug 116 on the insulatoi end HOB is mounted in the mounting slot 162 of the mounting structure 160L. the lug 126 on the insulator end 120A is mounted in the mounting slot 142 of the mounting structme 140R, and the lug 126 on the insulator end 120B is mounted in the mounting slot 162 of the mounting structure 160R. The lugs 116, 126 are each secured in their respective mounting slots 142. 162 by a respective set of bolt 102. nut 104 and washers 106. More particularly and referring to the coupling of the lug 116 on the insulator end HOA to the mounting stiucture 140L, which is exemplary of the couplings of the other lugs 116. the lug 116 is laterally inserted or laid into the mounting slot 142 through the lateial opening 144B as indicated by the diiectional arrow Q in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 7. the lug 116 is seated in the mounting slot 142 such that lug 116 is positioned in the lug cavity 144C and the remainder of the insulator 110 (e g , the body 112) extends axially out of the mounting slot 132 through the stabilizer structure slot 146A and the axial entrance opening 144A The bolt 102 is inserted through the hole 148 and the lug hole 118 and secured by the nut 104 The bolt 102 and nut 104 thus prevent the lug 116 from being displaced laterally oi axially fiom the mounting slot 142. The stabilizer stiucture 146 and the entrance opening 144 A inhibit or prevent rotation of the lug 116 about the bolt 102

[0058] The brackets 174 and 176 are secured to the end members 130 and 150. respectively, by corresponding bolts 105 and nuts 106. The blade member 172 is pivotably connected to the bracket 174 by bolts 107 and nuts 108. The retainer mechanisms 136 can be secured to the respective end members 130. 150 as disclosed in U.S. Patent No 5.942.723 to Laricchia. for example The lockout member 182 is secured to the end member 130 by the bolt 188 and the spring 186

[0059] Once assembled, the insulators 110, 120 extend between the end members 130. 150 m spaced apart, coextensive, substantially parallel relation. The mounting slots 142. 162 open laterally with respect to the lengthwise axes A-A, B-B of the respective installed insulators 110. 120.

[0060] Once the isolating apparatus 100 has been assembled, it may be installed on a power line 10 in a known manner, for example. According to some methods, the keeper bars 136A are placed in their open positions. The isolating apparatus 100 is laid on the power line 10 with the grooves 134A facing downwardly and such that the power line 10 extends through the grooves 134A and between the end members 130, 150. The keeper bars 136A are then moved (e.g.. using hotsticks) to their closed positions so that they capture the power line 10 in the grooves 134A. The isolating apparatus 100 is then rotated 180 degrees about the power line 10 to the upright position as shown in Figure 8.

[0061] The wedge clamps 20 are then installed about the power line 10 and each coupling rod 134 as shown in Figure 8. The wedge clamps 20 may be installed using a powder-actuated impact tool, for example.

[0062] The power line 10 can then be cut between the end members 130. 150 to divide the power line 10 into two separate cable segments or cables 12. 14. The cables 12 and 14 are securely coupled to the end member 130 and the end member 150. respectively, so that the tension from the power line 10 is now applied to the isolating apparatus 100. The cut ends 12A. 14A can then be bent away from one another as shown in Figure 8 to electrically isolate the cables 12, 14 from one another and/or a section of the power line 10 between the end members 130, 150 can be cut out and removed.

[0063] When it is desired to electrically connect the cables 12. 14. the blade member 172 can be pivoted into the closed position as shown in Figures 8 and 9 to electrically connect the end members 130. 150. The blade member 172 can be securely and releasably retained in the closed position by the latch mechanism 178.

[0064] When it is desired to electrically isolate or disconnect the cables 12. 14, the blade member 172 can be pivoted into its open position as shown in Figures 10 and 11. The lockout mechanism 180 can be used to securely and releasably retain the blade member 172 in its open position. More particularly, the lockout member 182 is rotated to a position wherein the extension arms 182B will pass through the opening 181 in the blade member 172 (which may be referred to as an "unlocked position" of the lockout member 182) as shown in Figure 10. The lockout member 182 can be secured in the unlocked position by seating the base 182E in the longitudinal slot 184B. The spring 186 retains the base 182E in the slot 184B. When the blade member 172 is swung into the open position, the lockout member 182 is received through or proximate the opening 181. The lockout member 182 is then pulled outwardly along the axis J-J against the bias of the spring 186 until the shaft 182A extends through the opening 181 and the extension arms 182B clear the blade member 172. The lockout member 182 is then rotated about 90 degrees and released so that the extension anus 182B overlap or intersect the swing path of the blade plates 179 and the lockout member 182 captures the blade member 172 (which may be referred to as a "locked position ^" of the lockout membei 182) as shown m Figure 11 The lockout member can be secured in the locked position by seating the base 182E in the transverse slot 184C. The spring 186 retains the base 182E m the slot 184C.

[0065] According to some embodiments, in the locked position the spring 186 continues to apply a tension load on the lockout member 182 to bias the extension arms 182 A against the fully open blade member 172 In this configuiation. it is necessary to pull the lockout member 182 outwardly against the force of the spring 186 to enable the extension aims 182B to be iotated and free the blade member 172 The blade member 172 is thereby pi evented from returning to the closed position unless and until an operator deliberately returns the lockout member 182 to the unlocked position, wheieupon the blade member 172 can be pivoted to the closed position More particulaily. the operator can pull the lockout member 182 outwardly and rotate it about 90 degrees until the extension arms 182A are substantially clear of the blade plates 179

[0066] WMIe the insulators 110. 120 as described above have iound profile lugs 116. the end members 130. 150 are further adapted to form an isolating apparatus 100 with msulatois having rectangular (e g , squaie) lugs With reference to Figure 12. an insulator 210 having a square profile lug 216 is shown therein. The square lug 216 can be installed and secured by a bolt 102 and nut 104 in the mounting slot 142 of the mounting portion 140L in the same manner as described above with regard to the round lug 116 The mounting slots 142. 162 of the other mounting portions 140R, 160L, 160R are likewise adapted and configured to effectively receive and couple with square lugs 216. Thus, the isolating appaiatus 100 can be formed using the same two end members 130. 150 and insulators having round lugs, square lugs, oi any combination thereof

[0067] The isolating apparatus 100 can provide a number of advantages over known power line isolating devices The isolating apparatus 100 incorporates the end members 130. 150. the insulatois 110. 120, and the blade member 172 as modular components with flexible and noncomplex coupling mechanisms The isolating apparatus 100 can be assembled quickly and efficiently without requiring specialized tools or skills. The isolating appaiatus 100 can be assembled by an installer in the field The isolating apparatus 100 can be quickly maintained and repaired, such as by replacing one or more damaged components (e g . an insulator 110, 120 and/or the blade member 172). The isolating apparatus 100 can employ readily available and standard hardwaie (e g . the bolts 102, nuts 104 and washers 106) and insulators 110. 120 rather than requiring the manufacture and inventorying of certain specialized components

[0068] The use of a bolt 102 (and. according to some embodiments, a single bolt 102) to secure each lug 116, 126 to couple the insulators 110, 120 provides an effective mechanism for securing the insulators 110. 120 to the end members 130. 150 that can be quickly and simply executed The single bolt installation also permits the use of industry standard lugged insulators, thereby eliminating the need for expensive crimping of insulator fittings to the yokes 132, 152.

[0069] The stabilizer structures 146. 166 in each mounting slot 142. 162 extend along either side of the leceived insulatoi 110, 120 to securely hold the ends of the insulators 110. 120 in the mounting slots 142, 162 The stabilizer structures 146 thereby limit or prevent rotation of each lug 116, 126 about the axis of the bolt 102 by which the lug 116. 126 is seemed (/ e , the axis R-R transverse to the lengthwise axis A-A. B-B of the insulator 110. 120 (Figure 6)) to maintain the rigidity of the isolating apparatus 100.

[0070] Each mounting slot 142, 162 is configuied to serve as a universal adaptoi to accept vaiious standaid insulator lug configurations In particular, the mounting slots 142. 162 are each configured to leceive either of the industry standard round lugs 116 and the industry standard rectangular lugs 216. Mounting slots according to embodiments of the present invention may be configured to operatively accept other shapes, as well.

[0071] The modular design of the isolating apparatus 100 also permits the isolating apparatus 100 to be selectively configured or customized as desued foi the intended application. According to some methods of the present invention, a plurality of insulators 110. 120 and/or blade members 172 of different lengths or other attributes are provided and an assembler selects from the plurality of insulators and/or blade members those appropriate to provide the intended attributes of the isolating apparatus 100. Foi example, a plurality of insulators 110, 120 of different lengths and blade members 172 of corresponding lengths may be provided each corresponding to a different voltage rating (e g , longer insulators providing a higher voltage rating). In assembling the isolating apparatus 100. the assembler selects the insulators 110. 120 and blade member 172 fiom the plurality of insulatois having the length corresponding to the desired voltage rating. According to some embodiments, the assembler is a field installer. According to some embodiments, the end members 130. 150 are supplied as a system or kit with a plurality of insulators of different lengths and, in some embodiments, also with a plurality of blade members of different lengths matched to the lengths of the insulators. According to some embodiments, the end members 130, 150 are provided as a system or kit with a plurality of blade members of different lengths matched to industry standard lengths of insulators (though the insulators themselves may not be provided as part of the kit). Systems as described may reduce the inventory of components needed by the installer and/or may permit the installer to use industiy standard insulators on hand. According to some embodiments, the plurality of insulators provided can be configured to piovide an isolating apparatus 100 having a voltage rating across the range of 15 to 69 kV

[0072] The lockout mechanism 180 can provide positive locking of the blade member 172 in its fully open position to prevent accidental blade rotational movement that would close the isolating apparatus 100 and thereby the electrical loop of the power line 10. In this manner, the lockout mechanism 180 can provide improved operational safety without unduly increasing the cost or operational requirements of the isolating apparatus 100.

[0073] According to further embodiments of the present invention, the isolating apparatus 100 can be provided without the blade mechanism 170. without the lockout mechanism 180, or without the blade mechanism 170 and the lockout mechanism 180.

[0074] According to some embodiments, the lockout mechanism 180 may be provided on isolating apparatus of other designs or configurations (e.g.. not having mounting slots and/or lugged insulators as disclosed herein).

[0075] While the insulating apparatus 100 has been described herein installed on segments 12, 14 of a power line 10, according to some embodiments, the insulating apparatus 100 may be installed on each of a cable and a dead end post, for example.

[0076] 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 ait 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. 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 invention.