GB2526334A

GB2526334A - Bird flight diverter

Info

Publication number: GB2526334A
Application number: GB1409069.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Jeremy Spayes
Original assignee: Preformed Line Products Great Britain Ltd
Current assignee: Preformed Line Products Great Britain Ltd
Priority date: 2014-05-21
Filing date: 2014-05-21
Publication date: 2015-11-25
Also published as: GB201409069D0

Abstract

A bird flight diverter 100 suitable for attachment to a conductor prior to elevation of the conductor 105 to an overhead position is disclosed. The bird flight diverter is made of an elastically deformable material such as an elastomeric material and is shaped such that, when the conductor is elevated to an overhead position by the use of one or more pulleys, the bird flight diverter is able to pass across the pulley wheels without being damaged or dislodged. Methods for attaching the bird flight diverter to a conductor are also provided. The diverter may be connected to the conductor using a clamping means 120. This clamping means may comprise a clip and a helical wire. The diverter may have a series s-shaped finger portions 115 attached to it. The diverter may have a substantially spherical structure, be shaped like a spheroid with a tapered conical side or have two portions one that is trumpet shaped and one that is frusto trumpet shaped. The diverter may have a series fin structures attached to it (715 figure 7A).

Description

BIRD FLIGHT DIVERTER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices that are securable to overhead conductors, particularly overhead conductors such as found in electrical power transmission networks or telecommunications networks, and methods for securing the devices to the wiring. More particularly, the present invention relates to bird flight diverters and methods of attaching bird flight diverters to overhead transmission conductors.

BACKGROUND

Electrical power transmission networks often make use of overhead conductors in the distribution of electricity between a power station and the end user.

Telecommunications networks may also make use of overhead wiring in order to provide a communications service, such as a telephone service. In such networks, the overhead conductors are typically suspended five or more meters above the ground by use of pylons and/or poles of wooden or other materials (sometimes also referred to as transmission towers). Conductors may extend for many kilometres in a network comprising a number of regularly spaced pylons.

A typical overhead conductor may have a relatively small diameter, perhaps of the order of tens of millimetres, e.g. 40mm. This keeps the weight of the conductor to a minimum at the cost of making the overhead conductor difficult to see, particularly in low lighting conditions. This is compounded in the case of overhead wiring by the fact that such wiring may include a dark coloured exterior sheath. These factors combine to make it difficult for birds to see an overhead conductor, which may lead to a collision.

Equally, a pilot of a low-flying aircraft such as a helicopter may fail to see an overhead conductor, which again may lead to a collision.

It is highly desirable to prevent collisions with overhead conductors, at least because the bird or pilot of an aircraft colliding with the conductor may be seriously harmed as a result of the collision. In addition, the collision may damage the conductor and/or pylon, causing disruption to the service that it relates to.

Overhead conductors are typically installed in lengths greater than the distance between adjacent pylons. For example, a single length of conductor may be installed over the distance between ten or more pylons. On installation, the length of conductor is fed through a series of pulleys (often referred to as running wheels) to move it over the required distance. Each portion of the conductor therefore passes through at least one running wheel before it reaches its final position.

Overhead conductors wear out over time and so periodic replacement is necessary.

Removal of a length of old conductor may be performed concurrently with installation of the new conductor by attaching the new conductor to an end of the old, and then pulling both conductors through a series of running wheels. Sometimes a length of old conductor may be pulled through the running wheels using of other materials such as ropes.

Attempts have been made to increase the visibility of overhead conductors by attaching objects to the conductors. Such objects may be referred to as bird flight diverters', flight diverters', or markers'. An example of a bird flight diverter is disclosed in US 8,438,998 B2. The flight diverter disclosed in this document comprises a first component and a second component that are generally a mirror image of each other and joined in opposed fixed angled relation, each of the components of generally flat material having a first face and a second face having a surface area sufficient to divert flight of a bird when secured to an aerial line.

However, it is difficult to gain safe and effective access to an overhead conductor in order to attach a bird flight diverter once the conductor has been installed overhead.

Existing methods for attaching bird flight diverters to overhead conductors include using a helicopter, robots or an elevated work platform to give an engineer access to the overhead conductor. These methods are expensive, cumbersome and slow, and require access to specialist machinery. Prior art bird flight diverters need to be attached once the conductor is in its final overhead position because, if the bird flight diverters are attached before the conductor is in its final position, they may be damaged and/or dislodged during the elevation process as the conductor passes through the running wheels.

In view of this, it is clear that there is a need for a bird flight diverter that is quick, easy and safe to install and that can be installed without the use of specialist machinery.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides a bird flight diverter comprising a body portion formed of an elastically deformable material, wherein the body portion is elastically deformable when passed through a pulley.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of attaching a bird flight diverter to an overhead conductor, comprising: attaching the bird flight diverter according to embodiments to a conductor; and subsequently passing the conductor across at least one pulley to raise the conductor and bird flight diverter into an overhead position.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a conductor having at least one bird flight diverter according to embodiments attached to it.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which: Fig. 1A is a schematic drawing showing a side view of a bird flight diverter according to an embodiment attached to a conductor; Fig. 1 B is a schematic drawing showing an end view of the bird flight diverter of Fig. 1A attached to a conductor; Fig. 1C is a schematic drawing showing a side view of the bird flight diverter of Fig. 1A being drawn across a running wheel of a running block; Fig. 1 D is a schematic drawing showing a perspective view of the bird flight diverter of Fig. 1A being drawn across a running wheel of a running block; Fig. 2A is a schematic drawing showing a side view of a bird flight diverter according to an embodiment attached to a conductor; Fig. 2B is a schematic drawing showing a perspective view of the bird flight diverter of Fig. 2A attached to a conductor; Fig. 2C is a schematic drawing showing an end view of the bird flight diverter of Fig. 2A attached to a conductor; Fig. 3A is a schematic drawing showing a side view of a bird flight diverter according to an embodiment attached to a conductor; Fig. 3B is a schematic drawing showing an end view of the bird flight diverter of Fig. 3A attached to a conductor; Fig. 4 is a schematic drawing showing a side view of a bird flight diverter according to an embodiment attached to a conductor; Fig. 5A is a schematic drawing showing a side view of a bird flight diverter according to an embodiment attached to a conductor; Fig. 5B is a schematic drawing showing a perspective view of the bird flight diverter of Fig. 5A attached to a conductor; Fig. 6 is a schematic drawing showing a perspective view of a bird flight diverter according to an embodiment attached to a conductor; Fig. 7A is a schematic drawing showing a side view of a bird flight diverter according to an embodiment attached to a conductor; Fig. 7B is a schematic drawing showing a perspective view of the bird flight diverter of Fig. 7A attached to a conductor; Fig. 7C is a schematic drawing showing an end view of the bird flight diverter of Fig. 7A attached to a conductor; Fig. 7D is a schematic drawing showing a side view of the bird flight diverter of Fig. 7A before it is attached to a conductor; Fig. 7E is a schematic drawing showing a first perspective view of the bird flight diverter of Fig. 7A before it is attached to a conductor; and Fig. 7F is a schematic drawing showing a second perspective view of the bird flight diveder of Fig. 7A before it is attached to a conductor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Figs. 1A to 10 show a bird flight diverter 100 (hereafter diverter 100') according to an embodiment that is securable to a conductor 105. Specifically: Fig. 1A shows a side view of diverter 100 secured to conductor 105; Fig. lB shows an end view of diverter secured to conductor 105 and Figs. 1C and 1D show diverter 100 being drawn across a running wheel of a running block during elevation of conductor 105 to an overhead position. Conductor 105 can be any conductor that is to be deployed in an overhead position, such as a transmission wire that is to form part of an electricity distribution network or a telecommunications network.

Referring firstly to Figs. 1A and 1B, diverter 100 is made of an elastically deformable material, and preferably an elastomeric material. Preferably the elastically deformable material is resistant to ultra-violet radiation so that it is not significantly degraded when exposed to sunlight. More preferably the elastically deformable material is also resistant to elemental factors that are likely to be experienced in an outdoor environment, such as wind, rain, snow, ice, hail, etc. The operational lifetime of a typical diverter is anticipated to be of the order of years, perhaps in excess of tens of years, and so the elastically deformable material should be chosen to provide an operational lifetime of this order. Preferably diverter 100 is brightly coloured, e.g. red and fluorescent, to attract visual attention of humans and/or birds. The colour of diverter 100 may be chosen according to a national or international standard for bird flight diverters.

S

As shown in particular in Fig. 1A, diverter 100 is formed from a continuous piece of elastically deformable material that in the embodiment of Fig. 1A is an elastomeric material. The continuous piece of elastomeric material includes a head portion 110 and a tail portion 115. In this embodiment, tail portion 115 comprises six fingers that are equispaced around the circumference of diverter 100. Embodiments having a different number of fingers and/or fingers that are not equispaced around the circumference of diverter 100 are also contemplated. In the illustrated embodiment each finger has a profile that approximates an elongated S-shape, but it will be appreciated that other curved or straight profiles can alternatively be used for the fingers. In the illustrated embodiment each finger has substantially the same profile, but embodiments in which the profile of at least one finger is not the same as the profile of at least one other finger are also contemplated. The width and length of each finger is not critical and can be varied as required for a specific set of circumstances. Preferably these parameters are chosen to increase the visibility of diverter 100.

As best shown in Fig. 1A, tail portion 115 extends outwardly away from conductor 105, to approximately several times the diameter of conductor 105. This serves to increase the overall radial size of diverter 100, which may increase its visibility. Preferably the elastomeric material that diverter 100 is made from in the embodiment of Fig. 1A is sufficiently rigid to allow each finger to retain its profile under its own weight, to ensure that tail portion 115 does not collapse inwardly towards conductor 105 when diverter is deployed. However, the elastomeric material should not be so rigid that tail portion 115 is damaged or inelastically deformed to a significant degree when diverter 100 passes across a running wheel 125 in the manner illustrated in Figs. 1C and 1D.

Head portion 110 of diverter 100 includes a clamping means 120 that secures diverter to conductor 105. In the illustrated embodiment clamping means 120 is a clip, but it will be appreciated that other clamping means known in the art can alternatively be used. Moreover, in some embodiments such as illustrated in Fig. 3A, clamping means is a helical structure that wraps around conductor 105. The size and diameter of clamping means 120 is chosen according to the diameter of conductor 105, so as to ensure a snug fit when the clamping means is in a closed position.

Clamping means 120 should be selected such that it is capable of securely mounting diverter 100 to conductor 105 to prevent movement of diverter 100 along the length of conductor 105, particularly under conditions in which conductor 105 sags when in an overhead position e.g. due to ice build-up on conductor 105. In addition, clamping means 120 should clamp diverter 100 to conductor 105 sufficiently tightly that, when conductor 105 is passed across a running wheel 125 in the manner illustrated in Figs. 1C and 1D, diverter 100 is not dislodged from or otherwise moved along or rotated around conductor 105. Clamping means 120 should itself be able to pass across running wheel 125 without damage. Preferably clamping means 120 is also able to withstand exposure to an outdoor environment to a great enough degree that it can keep diverter 100 securely attached to conductor 105 for the entire expected operational lifetime of diverter 100.

Figs. 1C and 1D show conductor 105 being drawn through a running wheel 125. As shown in these figures, when diverter 100 contacts running wheel 125, tail porlion 115 is elastically deformed by contact with the surface of running wheel 125 and the surface of the running block (not shown) that running wheel 125 is part of. Clamping means keeps diverter 100 in place, and in particular prevents diverter 100 from slipping along conductor 105 whilst conductor 105 is drawn across running wheel 125. Once diverter 100 has passed across running wheel 125, tail portion 115 springs back to its original expanded position (see Fig. 1A). This process is repeated as conductor 105 passes across multiple running wheels as it is moved into its final overhead position.

The end result is that diverter 100 is secured to an overhead conductor in substantially the expanded form shown in Fig. 1A.

Advantageously, diverter 100 can be secured to conductor 105 before it is positioned overhead, meaning that specialist equipment like an elevated work plafform or a helicopter is not required to secure diverter 100 in place.

One attachment method is to attach a plurality of diverters like diverter 100 to conductor 105 by hand whilst conductor 105 is being drawn along by running blocks, where the attachment occurs at a point where conductor 105 is still accessible by a person at or near to ground level. In this attachment method, clamping means 120 is initially in an open position to allow conductor 105 to be inserted into head portion 110, upon which clamping means 120 is moved to a closed position by hand to secure diverter 100 to conductor 105. A slit (not shown) is provided along the length of head portion 110 to allow it to be pulled open so that conductor 105 can be placed within it.

In some embodiments attachment is performed by hand by one or more people standing at or near ground level.

Another attachment method is to install a plurality of diverters like diverter 100 during manufacture of conductor 105, perhaps during the stranding process, such that diverters are attached before conductor 105 even arrives at the site where it is to be deployed. Conductor 105 with a plurality of diverters like diverter 100 attached may be wound onto a reel and conveniently supplied to the deployment site in that manner.

The elastically deformable material that diverter 100 is made from means that it does not suffer damage when conductor 105 is wound onto a reel, further increasing the ease with which diverters according to embodiments described herein can be deployed. In addition, the diverters attached to conductor 105 will automatically spring into their deployed configuration as conductor 105 is uncoiled from the reel at the deployment site. It will be appreciated that any of the diverters according to embodiments described herein can be pre-attached to a conductor before it is deployed, and may be attached to a conductor that is subsequently wound around a reel.

Modifications and variations to these attachment methods may be made, and other suitable attachment methods will be apparent to a skilled person having the benefit of this disclosure. Whichever attachment method is used, preferably the plurality of diverters are attached along a portion of the conductor such that there is a length of conductor between any one diverter and the adjacent diverters that does not contain any diverters. The result is that the diverters are spaced along the conductor with gaps in between adjacent diverters. In one particular embodiment the distance between adjacent diverters can be approximately 15 meters, although it will be appreciated that other different spacings can be used. In some embodiments the distance between adjacent diverters is substantially identical for each pair of adjacent diverters, resulting in a substantially equispaced arrangement of diverters along a length of conductor.

It will be appreciated that diverter 100 significantly reduces the cost, time and effort involved in securing a plurality of diverters to conductor 105, and furthermore negates the need to expose one or more people to a hazardous elevated working environment.

Moreover the labour requirement for attaching a plurality of diverters like diverter 100 to conductor 105 is also minimal; specifically, it is envisaged that in some cases a single person can attach a plurality of diverters like diverter 100 to conductor 105 by hand without difficulty. It is also envisaged that in some embodiments attachment of diverter is fully automated, or involves an automated component.

Figs. 2A, 2B and 2C show a bird flight diverter 200 (hereafter diverter 200') according to another embodiment. Fig. 2A is a side view of diverter 200, Fig. 2B is a perspective view of diverter 200 and Fig. 2C is a view from an end of diverter 200. Diverter 200 is made from a continuous piece of elastomeric material as described in the context of diverter 100, but can also be made of other suitable elastically deformable materials, as in the embodiment of Figs. 1A to 1 D. Diverter 200 comprises six strips 210 that are secured at both ends to conductor 105 by a pair of clamping means 220a, 200b. It is not essential that six strips be provided, and in other embodiments fewer or more than six strips are present. In the illustrated embodiment clamping means 220a, 220b are both clips, but clamping means 220a, 220b can be any of the clamping means described in connection with diverter 100.

Other clamping means known to a person skilled in the art may also be used. The distance between the clamping means 220a, 200b is chosen such that strips 210 curve outwardly and away from conductor 105 to a maximum distance at their approximate mid-point. This increases the overall radial size of diverter 200 and hence may improve its visibility.

Diverter 200 can be attached to conductor 105 using any of the methods described in connection with diverter 100. It will be appreciated that, when diverter 200 passes across a running wheel, strips 210 are compressed inwardly towards conductor 105.

Once diverter 200 has passed across the running wheel, strips 210 expand back out away from conductor 105 to adopt the position shown in Figs. 2A and 2B. The elastically deformable material that diverter 200 is made from should be chosen such that this behaviour is observed even after diverter 200 has passed successively across many running wheels. Diverter 200 can then advantageously be attached to conductor before it is raised into an overhead position.

Figs. 3A and 3B show a bird flight diverter 300 (hereafter diverter 300') according to another embodiment. Fig. 3A is a side view of diverter 300 and Fig. 3B is a view from an end of diverter 300. Diverter 300 is made from a continuous piece of elastomeric material or other elastically deformable material as described in the context of diverter 100.

Diverter 300 comprises a hollow spherical body 310 having six cutouts 330 formed in its surface. In the illustrated embodiment cutouts 330 are equispaced around the circumference of body 310, but embodiments having non-equispaced cutouts are also contemplated. In addition, embodiments having fewer or more than six cutouts, or no cutouts at all, are also contemplated. When present, preferably the number of cutouts, as well as the size and position of each cutout, is chosen to promote collapsibility of body 310. It will also be appreciated that variation in the shape of body 310 to e.g. ellipsoidal or spheroidal is also possible.

In this embodiment clamping means 320a, 320b take the form of helical wires that wrap around conductor 105. The helical wires may be made of metal or plastic. It will be appreciated that alternatively a clip such as the clip shown in Fig. 1A could be used for clamping means 320a, 320b. Other clamping means known to a person skilled in the art may also be used.

Body 310 includes two cylindrical protruding portions 340a, 340b that each extend outwardly from body 310. The helical wires wrap around hollow protruding portions 340a, 340b in the manner shown in Fig. 3A so as to secure diverter 300 to conductor 105. Lateral motion of diverter 300 along the length of conductor 105 is thus prevented by the helical wires. The helical wires are preferably as flush to the outer surface of conductor 105 as possible, to ensure that they pass smoothly across a running wheel of a running block.

As shown in Fig. 3B, a slit 350 is provided along the entire length of diverter 300.

During attachment, diverter 300 is pulled open along this slit so that it can be attached to conductor 105. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3A, conductor 105 passes through the interior of body 310 the interior of both protruding portions 340a, 34Db. Any of the attachment methods described earlier in connection with diverter 100 can be adapted to attach diverter 300 to conductor 105.

It will be appreciated that, when diverter 300 passes across a running wheel, body 310 elastically collapses inwardly towards conductor 105. The degree of collapsibility of body 310 may be adjusted by varying parameters such as the number, size, length and position of cutouts 330. Once diverter 300 has passed across the running wheel, body 310 expands back out away from conductor 105 to adopt the approximately spherical shape shown in Fig. 3A. The elastically deformable material that diverter 300 is made from should be chosen such that this behaviour is observed even after diverter 300 has passed successively across many running wheels. Diverter 300 can then advantageously be attached to conductor 105 before it is raised into an overhead position.

Fig. 4 shows a side view of a bird flight diverter 400 (hereafter diverter 400') according to yet another embodiment. Diverter 400 is made from a continuous piece of elastomeric material or other elastically deformable material as described in the context of diverter 100.

Diverter 400 comprises first and second hollow body portions 410a, 410b that are spaced apart from one another along the length of conductor 105. Both body portions 410a, 410b include a through hole to allow conductor 105 to pass along their interior. In between body portions 410a, 410b there is provided a clamping means 420 that in the illustrated embodiment takes the form of a helical wire that is wrapped around conductor 105. The helical wire may be metal or plastic. It will be appreciated that alternatively one or more clips such as the clip described in the context of diverter 100 could be used for clamping means 420. Other clamping means known to a person skilled in the art may also be used.

As shown in Fig. 4, first body portion 410a is trumpet shaped. Clamping means 420 is in contact with the narrow end of first body portion 41 Oa, thereby attaching first body portion 410a to conductor 105. Second body portion 410b is formed of two sub-portions: a frusto-trum pet shaped sub-portion and a cylindrical sub-portion that extends outwardly from the broad end of the trumpet-shaped sub-portion. Clamping means is also in contact with the cylindrical sub-portion of second body portion 410b, thereby attaching second body portion 410b to conductor 105. Lateral motion of diverter 400 along the length of conductor 105 is thus prevented by clamping means 420. When helical wires are used for clamping means 420, these are preferably as flush to the outer surface of conductor 105 as possible, to ensure that they pass smoothly across a running wheel of a running block.

A slit (not shown) is provided along the length of each body portion 410a, 410b to allow diverter 400 to be attached to conductor 105 in a manner similar to that described earlier in connection with diverter 300. Any of the attachment methods described in connection with diverter 100 or diverter 300 can be used to attach diverter 400 to conductor 105.

It will be appreciated that, when diverter 400 passes across a running wheel in a running block, first and second body portions 410a, 410b are compressed flat against conductor 105. Once diverter 400 has passed across the running wheel, first and second body portions 410a, 410b expand back out away from conductor 105 to adopt the position shown in Fig. 4. Diverter 400 can thus advantageously be attached to conductor 105 before it is raised into an overhead position. Preferably first and second body portions 410a, 410b are oriented such that, when conductor 105 is drawn across a running wheel, each body portion 410a, 410b approaches running wheel with the narrower end of the trumpet-shaped portion as the leading end. In the context of Fig. 4, this corresponds to conductor 105 being drawn to the right. This assists in smooth passage of diverter 400 across a running wheel. The elastically deformable material that diverter 400 is made from should be chosen such that this behaviour is observed even after diverter 400 has passed successively across many running wheels. Diverter 400 can then advantageously be attached to conductor 105 before it is raised into an overhead position.

A variant of diverter 400 is shown in Figs. SA and 5B. In this variant bird flight diverter (hereafter diverter 500'), first and second hollow body portions 510a, 510b are shaped like a spheroid that has a tapered, conical side. Each body portion 510a, 510b also includes a cylindrical protrusion that extends from the end of the body portion that is opposite the tapered side. Each cylindrical protrusion is in contact with clamping means 520 in order to secure diverter 500 to conductor 105. In the illustrated embodiment clamping means 520 is a helical wire that is wrapped around conductor 105. The helical wire may be metal or plastic. It will be appreciated that alternatively one or more clips such as the clip described in the context of diverter 100 could be used for clamping means 520. Other clamping means known to a person skilled in the art may also be used.

A slit (not shown) is provided along the length of each body portion 51 Oa, SlOb to allow diverter 500 to be attached to conductor 105 in a manner similar to that described earlier in connection with diverter 300. Any of the attachment methods described in connection with diverter 100 or diverter 300 can be used to attach diverter 500 to conductor 105.

It will be appreciated that, when diverter 500 passes across a running wheel in a running block, first and second body portions 510a, SlOb are compressed against conductor 105. Once diverter 500 has passed across the running wheel] first and second body portions 510a, SlOb expand back out away from conductor 105 to adopt the position shown in Figs. 5A and SB. The elastically deformable material that diverter 500 is made from should be chosen such that this behaviour is observed even after diverter 500 has passed successively across many running wheels. Diverter 500 can then advantageously be attached to conductor 105 before it is raised into an overhead position.

The shape and size of body portions 410a, 410b and body portions 510a, 510b is not critical and can be varied as desired, although preferably the shape and size are chosen to promote visibility of the diverter when it is attached to an overhead conductor. Embodiments similar to diverters 400 and 500 that have only one body portion, or more than two body portions, are also contemplated. Embodiments having differently sized body portions are also contemplated.

Fig.6 shows a side perspective view of a bird flight diverter 600 (hereafter diverter 600') according to another embodiment. Diverter 600 is made from a continuous piece of elastomeric material or other elastically deformable material as described in the context of diverter 100.

Diverter 600 comprises a hollow spherical body 610 that includes a cylindrical protrusion 615 that extends from one side of body 610 in a direction along conductor 105. A through hole is provided in body 610 and protrusion 630. Conductor 105 runs through this hole when diverter 600 is in use. It will be appreciated that the shape of body portion 610 can be varied as body portion 610 can be e.g. spheroidal or ellipsoidal.

A clamping means 620 is provided, that in the illustrated embodiment takes the form of a helical wire that is wrapped around conductor 105. The helical wire may be metal or plastic. It will be appreciated that alternatively one or more clips such as the clip described in the context of diverter 100 could be used for clamping means 620. Other clamping means known to a person skilled in the art may also be used.

As shown in Fig. 6, clamping means 620 is in contact with cylindrical protrusion 615, thereby attaching body 610 to conductor 105. Lateral motion of diverter 600 along the length of conductor 105 is thus prevented by clamping means 620. When helical wires are used for clamping means 620, these are preferably as flush to the outer surface of conductor 105 as possible, to ensure that they pass smoothly across a running wheel of a running block.

A slit (not shown) is provided along the length of body portion 610 and cylindrical protrusion 615 to allow diverter 600 to be attached to conductor 105 in a manner similar to that described earlier in connection with diverter 300. Any of the attachment methods described in connection with diverter 100 or diverter 300 can be used to attach diverter 600 to conductor 105.

It will be appreciated that, when diverter 600 passes across a running wheel in a running block, body portion 610 is compressed against conductor 105. Once diverter 600 has passed across the running wheel, body portion 610 expands back out away from conductor 105 to adopt the approximately spherical shape shown in Fig. 6.

Diverter 600 can thus advantageously be attached to conductor 105 before it is raised into an overhead position. The elastically deformable material that diverter 600 is made from should be chosen such that this behaviour is observed even after diverter 600 has passed successively across many running wheels. Diverter 600 can then advantageously be attached to conductor 105 before it is raised into an overhead position.

Figs. 7A to 7F show a bird flight diverter 700 (hereafter diverter 700') according to another embodiment. Fig. 7A is a side view of diverter 700 attached to a conductor, Fig. 7B is a perspective view of diverter 700 attached to a conductor and Fig. 7C is a view from an end of the conductor to which diverter 700 has been attached. Figs. 7D, 7E and 7F show a side view, a first perspective view and a second perspective view, respectively, of diverter 700 before it has been attached to a conductor.

Diverter 700 is made from a continuous piece of elastomeric material or other elastically deformable material as described in the context of diverter 100.

Diverter 700 comprises a base portion 710 and five fins 715 that each protrude radially outward from base portion 710. It will be appreciated that any number of fins, from one fin to an arbitrarily high number of fins, can alternatively be provided. In the illustrated embodiment each fin 715 has a three sided blade portion 715a having rounded corners and a neck portion 715b that connects the fin to base portion 710. It will be appreciated that the shape of each fin 715 can be varied from that shown; e.g. blade portion 715a may be substantially triangular, or substantially rectangular, etc, or blade portion 715a may not have rounded corners. In the illustrated embodiment the shape and size of each fin is substantially identical to that of every other fin, but alternative embodiments in which the shape and/or size of at least one fin differs from the shape and/or size of at least one other fin are also contemplated.

Each fin 715 is integrally formed with base portion 710. Fins 715 and base portion 710 are formed of an elastomeric material or other elastically deformable material as described in the context of diverter 100.

As shown in Figs. 7D to 7F, base portion 710 is a substantially flat rectangular shaped sheet of elastomeric material when diverter 700 is manufactured; i.e. before diverter 700 is secured on conductor 105. However, as shown in Figs. 7A to 7C, when diverter 700 is installed on a conductor 105, base portion 710 is stretched around the exterior surface of conductor 105 to form a cylindrical shape. This stretching causes fins 715 to fan out in the manner shown most clearly in Fig. 7C, increasing the area of diverter 700. This increase is area may have a corresponding increase in visibility of diverter 700.

As shown in Fig. 7C, in the illustrated embodiment there is a gap between one pair of fins. This is not essential and in other non-illustrated embodiments one or more additional fins may be provided in this gap.

Each fin 715 is curved and, as best shown in Fig. 7D, each fin 715 is also slanted at an angle with respect to the plane perpendicular to the plane of base portion 710. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the precise curvature and slant of each fin can be varied as desired, although preferably these parameters are chosen to allow the fins to readily and easily collapse down towards and around the conductor when the conductor is drawn across a running wheel in a running block. Preferably each fin 715 is slanted in the same direction as every other fin so that, when diverter 700 is attached to conductor 105, the fins are all disposed in the same direction with respect to the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conductor. This promotes the ability of fins 715 to each flatten against conductor 105 when diverter 700 is drawn across a running wheel.

In the embodiment of Figs. 7A to 7F, the slant, curvature, thickness, size and and shape of each fin is substantially identical to that of every other fin. However, in some non-illustrated embodiments at least one fin has at least one of a slant, curvature, thickness, size and shape that is not substantially identical to that of at least one other fin.

Optionally, as shown best in Fig. 7C, one or more of the fins 715 may include a through-hole 718 in blade portion 715a. Through-hole 718 allows air to pass through a portion of the interior of fin 715, meaning that diverter 700 does not act like a propeller when attached to conductor 105. This is preferable in situations where a large number of diverters like diverter 700 are attached to a single length of conductor, as otherwise air flow may cause the diverters to develop an unwanted torque along the length of the conductor. The size, shape and location of through-hole 718 can be varied as desired, although preferably a balance is struck between making through-hole 718 large enough to prevent diverter 700 from acting like a propeller but not so large that the structural integrity of fin 715 is compromised. Embodiments having a plurality of through-holes in a single fin are also contemplated.

Diverter 700 is attached to conductor 105 using a clamping means 720. In the illustrated embodiment clamping means 720 is a series of metal or plastic rods that are wrapped in a helical fashion around conductor 105. Each rod passes between an adjacent pair of fins 715 in order to secure diverter 700 against the outer surface of conductor 105. The rods preferably lie as flat as possible against conductor 105 so that they will pass through a running wheel without difficulty. Each rod may extend along at least a significant portion of the length of conductor 105, meaning that a single set of rods can secure multiple diverters like diverter 700 to conductor 105. Alternatively, each rod may extend only a short distance beyond the extents of diverter 700, and multiple sets of rods may be provided, each separately attaching an individual diverter like diverter 700 to conductor 105. The number of rods may be varied, although preferably one rod is provided between each adjacent pair of fins 715.

Alternative clamping means known to the skilled person may be used in place of or in addition to the illustrated rods. For example, one or more clips may be wrapped around base portion 710 to attach diverter 700 to conductor 105.

Diverter 700 can be attached to conductor 105 using any of the methods described in connection with diverter 100.

It will be appreciated that, when diverter 700 passes across a running wheel, fins 715 are compressed inwardly towards conductor 105. Once diverter 700 has passed across the running wheel, fins 15 expand back out away from conductor 105 to adopt the position shown in Figs. 7A to 7C. The elastically deformable material that diverter 700 is made from should be chosen such that this behaviour is observed even after diverter 700 has passed successively across many running wheels. Diverter 700 can then advantageously be attached to conductor 105 before it is raised into an overhead position.

Numerous modifications, adaptations and variations to the embodiments described herein will become apparent to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure, and such modifications, adaptations and variations are also embodiments of the present invention. For example, embodiments described herein may include a compressible packing material, such as a foam or gel, disposed in the interior of a body portion. The packing material compresses when the diverter is in contact with a running wheel and re-expands once the diverter has passed the running wheel, assisting in returning the body portion to its original uncompressed shape and size.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A bird flight diverter comprising a body portion formed of an elastically deformable material, wherein the body portion is elastically deformable when passed through a pulley.
2. The bird flight diverter of claim 1, further comprising a clamping means suitable for securing the body portion to a power transmission line conductor or other overhead conductor.
3. The bird flight diverter of claim 2, wherein the clamping means is one of a clip and a helical wire.
4. The bird flight diverter of any preceding claim, wherein the body portion further includes a slit along at least a part of its length.
5. The bird flight diverter of any preceding claim, wherein the body portion comprises a plurality of finger portions, each finger portion having an approximately S-shaped cross-sectional profile.
6. The bird flight diverter of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the body portion comprises a plurality of strips.
7. The bird flight diverter of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the body portion is a hollow, substantially spherical structure.
B. The bird flight diverter of claim 7, wherein at least one cutout portion is present in the body portion.
9. The bird flight diverter of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bird flight diverter comprises more than one body portion formed of an elastically deformable material.
10. The bird flight diverter of claim 9, comprising a first and second body portion, wherein: the first body portion is trumpet-shaped; and the second body portion is frusto trumpet-shaped.
11. The bird flight diverter of claim 8, comprising a first and second body portion, wherein: the first and second body portions are both shaped like a spheroid that has a tapered, conical side.
12. The bird flight diverter of any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the or each body portion further comprises a protrusion extending outwardly therefrom in an axial direction along a conductor, and wherein the protrusion is suitable for engaging with the clamping means.
13. The bird flight diverter of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the body portion comprises a base portion having at least one fin extending therefrom, wherein the at least one fin is integrally formed with the base portion.
14. The bird flight diverter of claim 13, wherein the at least one fin includes a three sided blade portion.
15. The bird flight diverter of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the base portion is a substantially flat rectangular shaped sheet.
16. The bird flight diverter of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the at least one fin is slanted at an angle with respect to the plane perpendicular to the plane of base portion.
17. The bird flight diverter of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the at least one fin includes at least one through-hole.
18. The bird flight diverter of any one of claims 13 to 17 comprising a plurality of fins, wherein the clamping means comprises at least one helical rod, wherein the at least one rod is disposed between adjacent ones of the fins.
19. The bird flight diverter of any preceding claim, wherein the body portion is made of an elastomeric material.
20. A bird flight diverter according to any one of claims 1 to 19 attached to a conductor.
21. A bird flight diverter according to claim 20, wherein the conductor is wound around a reel.
22. A method of attaching a bird flight diverter to an overhead conductor, comprising: attaching the bird flight diverter according to any one of claims 1 to 21 to a conductor; and subsequently passing the conductor across at least one pulley to raise the conductor and bird flight diverter into an overhead position.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the attaching step is carried out during manufacture of the conductor.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein the attaching step is carried out at or near ground level.
25. The method of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the bird flight diverter elastically deforms when the conductor is passed across the at least one pulley.
26. The method of any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the attaching comprises: opening the bird flight diverter along its length; placing the conductor against a surface of the bird flight diverter; closing the bird flight diverter; and securing the bird flight diverter in place using at least one clamping means.
27. The method of any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the attaching is carried out by hand.
28. The method of any one of claims 22 to 27, wherein the attaching is at least partially automated.
29. The method of any one of claims 22 to 28, further including: after the attaching, winding the conductor around a reel.
30. The method of any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein a plurality of substantially identical bird flight diverters are attached to a single conductor, each bird flight diverter separated from adjacent bird flight diverters by a length of conductor that does not include any bird flight diverters.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the plurality of bird flight diverters are substantially equispaced along a length of the conductor.
32. A conductor having at least one bird flight diverter according to any one of claims ito 19 attached to it.
33. The conductor of claim 33, wherein the conductor is wound around a reel.
34. The conductor of claim 32 or claim 33, wherein a plurality of diverters are attached to the conductor, and wherein each bird flight diverter is separated from adjacent bird flight diverters by a length of conductor that does not include any bird flight diverters.
35. The conductor of any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the plurality of bird flight diverters are substantially equispaced along a length of the conductor.
36. The conductor of any one of claims 32 to 35, wherein the conductor is deployed in an overhead position.