Power line takeoff clamp assembly
AssigneeTollgrade Communications, Inc.
InventorRegis J. Nero, Jr.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In a power line takeoff clamp assembly and method of use thereof an electrical power distribution line is clamped to a body of the clamp assembly. A power takeoff supported by the body clamped to the power line generates direct current from alternating current flowing in the power line. One or more sensors supported by the body clamped to the power line sense one or more values related to an electrical current flowing in a power line. A wireless transceiver supported by the body clamped to the power line communicates data regarding the one or more sensed values. Each sensor and the wireless transceiver utilize direct current generated by the power takeoff for the operation thereof.
Claims3
A power line takeoff clamp assembly comprising:
- a body including a first housing and a second housing;
- means for moving the first housing and the second housing apart, where a power line is movable from a position that is not between the first housing and the second housing to a position that is between the first housing and the second housing, and together, where the power line positioned between the first housing and the second housing is clamped between the first housing and the second housing;
- means for sensing one or more values related to an electrical current flowing in the power line disposed between the first housing and the second housing when together;
- means for wirelessly communicating data regarding the electrical current sensed by the means for sensing;
- and
- means for converting alternating current (AC) flowing in the power line into direct current (DC) that is provided to the means for sensing and the means for wirelessly communicating data for the operation thereof, wherein the means for sensing, the means for wirelessly communicating data, and the means for converting are supported by the body, wherein the means for converting includes:
- a core made from a material in which magnetic flux can be established, said core having a first part in the first housing and a second part in the second housing;
- a wire wound about the first or second part of the core;
- a rectifier coupled to the wire and operative for rectifying AC induced on the wire into DC;
- and
- a capacitor for storing DC output by the rectifier.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.