Patent ID: 9383394
Filing Date: 2016-07-05
CPC Classification: G01R

Claim Text:
1. An overhead device, comprising: a housing configured to be mounted directly to a power line, the housing comprising electrical circuitry that includes a ground reference point; a current transformer coupled to the housing, the current transformer comprising a member about which a winding is at least partially disposed, the current transformer configured to receive an induced current on the winding via magnetic flux energy generated by alternating current on the power line, the current transformer comprising two arms that adjust to open and closed positions, the arms defining an opening in the overhead device; an electrical coupling that is electrically coupled to the ground reference point of the electrical circuitry and coupled to the power line when the device is mounted directly to the power line, wherein the ground reference point and the power line have equal voltage potentials when coupled; and a semi-conductive pad disposed between the housing and the opening in the overhead device through which the power line can pass, wherein the semi-conductive pad is disposed between the electrical coupling and the opening in the overhead device, wherein the semi-conductive pad covers at least a portion of the housing and has apertures through which the two arms pass, and wherein the semi-conductive pad slows a rate of voltage potential change of the ground reference point of the electrical circuitry when the overhead device is mounted to the power line.