Hill & Smith has been granted a patent for a utility pole system featuring a fire retardant sleeve assembly and an integrated temperature sensor. This design facilitates temperature monitoring of fiberglass reinforced plastic utility poles, enhancing safety and maintenance efficiency. GlobalData’s report on Hill & Smith gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

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Data Insights Hill & Smith Holdings Plc - Company Profile

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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Hill & Smith, Cold-formed steel was a key innovation area identified from patents. Hill & Smith's grant share as of July 2024 was 51%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Utility pole system with temperature inspection and protection

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Hill & Smith Holdings Plc

The patent US12013074B2 describes a utility pole protection system designed to enhance fire safety for utility poles. Central to this system is a fire retardant sleeve assembly that consists of an outer shell and an inner insulation layer, with the latter affixed to the inner surface of the outer shell. A temperature sensor is integrated within the assembly to monitor temperatures adjacent to the insulation layer, ensuring that any potential fire hazards can be detected early. The design includes features such as an opening for the temperature sensor, which is covered by a plate, and a locking ring to secure the assembly in place. The materials used for the outer shell include fiberglass and various fire retardant additives, while the inner insulation layer may consist of intumescent or endothermic materials.

Additionally, the system allows for modularity and ease of installation, as the fire retardant sleeve can be constructed from separable half sections that form a hollow cylinder when connected. These sections can be secured together with a locking mechanism or hinge, facilitating maintenance and replacement. The outer shell may also be treated with fire-resistant and ultraviolet protective coatings to enhance durability. Overall, the utility pole protection system aims to provide a comprehensive solution for monitoring and mitigating fire risks associated with utility poles, thereby contributing to improved safety in utility infrastructure.

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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.