Apparatus for monitoring voltage on a high voltage overhead transmission line

Claim 1

Apparatus for monitoring voltage on a high voltage aerial transmission line comprising, in combination: A. an electrically conductive housing removably mounted on a high voltage aerial transmission line; B. means electrically connecting said housing to the transmission line whereby said housing said housing assumes the electrical potential of the transmission line; C. a dielectric sheet adhered to the exterior surface of said housing; D. a metallic plate adhered in overlying relation to the exposed surface of said sheet, whereby said housing and said plate constitute the electrodes of a first capacitor and the capacitive coupling of said plate with the surrounding environment constitutes a second capacitor connected with said first capacitor as a capacitive voltage divider; E. circuitry situated within said housing responsive to the voltage appearing on said plate for developing an ouput signal indicative of the transmission line voltage; and F. a lead connected with said plate and admitted through an opening in said housing for connection with said circuitry situated within said housing.