Clamp Mechanism for Power Distribution Line Sensors

A clamp mechanism for a power distribution line sensor, the clamp mechanism comprising:

• a drive rod having a first rod portion with a spiral thread formed in a first-handed thread direction, a second rod portion with a spiral thread formed in an opposite-handed thread direction, and a coupling end portion;
• a first clamp portion having a first drive block engaged with the spiral threads of the first rod portion and a first clamp arm having a pin-in-slot connection to the first drive block;
• a second clamp portion having a second drive block engaged with the spiral threads of the second rod portion and a second clamp arm having a pin-in-slot connection to the second drive block;
• and
• a clamshell housing having first and second clamshell portions defining an adjustable housing opening adjacent to the coupling end portion and a hinged connection joining the first and second clamshell portions adjacent to the hinge end portion, wherein the first and second clamp arms are pivotally connected to the first clamshell portion at a proximal end of each respective clamp arm;
• and
• a link arm pivotably connected to the pin of the pin-in-slot connection of the first clamp arm and having a pin-in-slot connection to the second clamshell portion adjacent to the hinged connection;
• wherein the adjustable housing opening is adjusted by movement of the first clamp arm during rotational operation of the drive rod via the coupling end portion.