Patent ID: 8767071

Claim:
A multi-sensor system comprising: a latching mechanism that includes a stationary core, a movable core, a stationary core housing attached to the stationary core, a movable core housing attached to the movable core, and an actuator connected to the stationary core housing and the movable core housing, wherein the stationary core housing is movably attached to the movable core housing and the actuator can be operated to move the movable core toward the stationary core for securing the multi-sensor system to a power line so that the stationary core and/or the movable core can draw electrical power from the power line inductively; and a sensor housing connected to the latching mechanism wherein the sensor housing houses a camera and one or more sensors, a communications device for transmitting data to and receiving control information from a remote location via a communications network, a processor for controlling the camera, sensors, and communications device, and a power system for converting electrical energy drawn inductively from the power line to a lower voltage direct current for powering the camera, sensors, communications device, and processor; wherein the stationary core of the movable core includes two or more secondary coil windings, each of which secondary coil windings outputs a different secondary voltage for powering the camera, sensors, processor, and communications device in the sensor housing; and the system includes a switch for shorting a connection between the secondary core windings and the power system so the movable core can be moved away from the stationary core via the actuator.