Multiconductor Cable Patents (Class 324/539)
  • Patent number: 7589535
    Abstract: A system for identifying elements in a cable network utilizing frequency domain reflectometry includes initial filtering stages to remove noise, second and third harmonics and side lobes, and subsequent identification stages to identify and display various elements, e.g. splitters, barrels and opens, in the cable network and their relative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Acterna LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Gotwals, Robert J. Flask, Walter Miller
  • Patent number: 7567087
    Abstract: An evaluation board having an interconnection line pattern formed thereon is disclosed. The interconnection line pattern has a first end to be connected to a cable assembly and a second end to be connected to a measurement device measuring the transmission characteristic of the cable assembly. The evaluation board includes an equalizer circuit equalizing the transmission characteristic of the cable assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventors: Tohru Yamakami, Takahiro Kondou
  • Publication number: 20090167315
    Abstract: A method of testing a cabling system is disclosed. The method may include discharging an input filter capacitor associated with an accessory component, charging an accessory bus capacitor to a desired voltage level, and connecting the accessory bus capacitor to the input filter capacitor. The method may also include continuously monitoring a voltage waveform associated with the accessory bus capacitor. The method may further include determining a difference between the voltage waveform and a nominal voltage profile, and detecting a fault if the difference is greater than a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Robert W. Lindsey
  • Publication number: 20090128161
    Abstract: A design structure embodied in a machine-readable medium used in a design process may include a system for detecting a fault in a signal transmission path. Such system may include, for example, a hysteresis comparator including a latch having n-type field effect transistor (“NFET”) storage elements. The hysteresis comparator may be operable to detect a crossing of a reference voltage level by an input signal arriving from the signal transmission path such that when the comparator does not detect an expected crossing of the reference voltage level by the input signal, the fault is determined to be detected in the signal transmission path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Huihao Xu, Louis L. Hsu, Kevin G. Kramer, James D. Rockrohr, Michael A. Sorna
  • Patent number: 7508219
    Abstract: A system for determining insertion loss of a telephone line under test (LUT) predicts a length d of the LUT at each of a number of discrete frequencies. The system determines for each predicted length d a running standard deviation that is a function of the predicted length(s) d at and below the frequency where the predicted length d was determined; and determines a mean length (dm) of the LUT as a function of the lengths d of the LUT determined for each frequency at and below the pair of adjacent frequencies where the largest difference between running standard deviations occurs. The system determines a gauge of the LUT as a function of the running standard deviation the one of said pair of adjacent frequencies; and determines an insertion loss value of the LUT as a function of the gauge and the mean length dm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Tollgrade Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Vitanza, Rebecca Webb Ross, Regis J. Nero, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7508218
    Abstract: A system for determining insertion loss of a telephone line under test (LUT) is responsive to electrical stimulation of an input of the LUT at each frequency of a first plurality of discrete frequencies for determining values of at least two of Rs, Cs, Rp and Cp at each frequency, wherein Rs and Cs represent an equivalent series RC input impedance of the LUT and Rp and Cp represent an equivalent parallel RC input impedance of the LUT. The system determines an insertion loss value of the LUT as a function of a value of one of Rs, Cs, Rp and Cp determined at one frequency of the first plurality of frequencies and a value of another one of Rs, Cs, Rp and Cp at another frequency of the first plurality of frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Tollgrade Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Vitanza, Rebecca Webb Ross, Regis J. Nero, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7495452
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wire harness checker and a wire harness checking method, which are capable of determining whether a terminal of a terminal-fitted wire is adequately inserted in a connector housing, without contact with the wire and the terminal, objectively and reliably. Each of three pairs of sensor plates (20a, 20b; 30a, 30b; 40a, 40b) are disposed adjacent to an outer wall surface of a connector housing 10 in opposed relation to one another. An AC inspection signal is supplied to a terminal to be inserted into the connector housing 10, and detected from the terminal by each of the pairs of sensor plates (20a, 20b), (30a, 30b), (40a, 40b), to detect an insertion position of the terminal in the connector, in accordance with a relative value of each detection signal from the sensor plates, so as to determine adequacy of the insertion position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignees: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., OHT Inc.
    Inventors: Mishio Hayashi, Shuji Yamaoka, Akira Nurioka, Yoshikazu Taniguchi, Hideo Onishi
  • Patent number: 7489137
    Abstract: A method to discover defective coaxial shielding in cable lines in a building by inducing a test current into the nearby alternating current (AC) power lines (also known as “mains” in the United Kingdom) and measuring a resulting induced test signal inside the coaxial cable lines. A test signal current driven onto the power lines from a wall socket will propagate back to the main electrical box in the building. The main electrical box is normally connected to a ground, such as water pipes or a ground rod driven into the earth. Some of the test signal will be transferred to the outside of the coaxial cable in the building by radiation, conduction or induction. If the coaxial cable has perfect shield integrity, none of the test signal will be induced into the center conductor of the coaxial cable. However, if the coaxial cable has poor shielding integrity or a shield break, some portion of the test current will be transferred into the inside of the cable, potentially causing interference with cable signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas Holtzman Williams
  • Publication number: 20090027061
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the status of each monitored conductor, and optionally indicating peak current or other parameters are provided. Wireless self-powered sensor elements can eliminate much of the wiring required in traditional systems, and greatly ease the installation in difficult underground locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Power Monitors, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Curt, Christopher Mullins
  • Patent number: 7482815
    Abstract: To provide a method of operating a shielded connection where signals are exchanged between two nodes (1) on a communications network over a connecting line (5a, 5b) and the connecting line (5a, 5b) has a shield (3), by which method can be established that the shield (3) is in a proper state, it is proposed that when a signal is transmitted from a first node (1) over the connecting line (5) to a neighboring node a current (Ishield) is drawn into the shield (3) and when operation is taking place in other ways the shield (3) is set to a bias voltage (UBias). A suitably arranged communications network is also specified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Bernd Elend
  • Patent number: 7479776
    Abstract: A LAN tester has display and remote units each having a connector jack attached to an adapter board for connection to the plug of a patch cord. Both the display and remote units have circuits which are capable of measuring the phase between a drive signal voltage and the corresponding coupled or reflected signal due to the drive signal. Scattering parameters for the mated connector pairs and the patch cord itself are measured during a field calibration. A computer in one or both of the tester units stores the measured scattering parameters and uses the scattering parameters to move the reference plane to any desired location along the patch cord. Channel link or permanent link tests can be conducted using the same equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: IDEAL Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald W. Renken, Keith H. Davis, Edward Pivonka
  • Publication number: 20080311796
    Abstract: A four-wire ohmmeter connector includes a pair of elongated members spaced apart from each other by an interconnecting web. A pair of elongated contacts are mounted on forwardly projecting portions of each of the elongated members. An insulative housing surrounds the elongated members, contacts and web. The contacts mounted on one of the elongated members are connected through separate wires to a positive probe, and the contacts mounted on the other of the elongated members are connected through separate wires to a negative probe. The elongated members are inserted into respective terminal apertures of a four-wire ohmmeter. A pair of semi-cylindrical conductive sleeves are aligned with each of the apertures, and they make contact with and compress the respective contacts that are inserted into the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: FLUKE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Monte Washburn
  • Publication number: 20080297164
    Abstract: An adapter for connecting a wiring cable to be tested to a wiring analyzer. The adapter includes a body; a first set of contacts positioned on a first side of the body for electrically connecting with the wiring analyzer; and a second set of contacts positioned on a second side of the body and electrically connected to the first set of contacts for connecting with a connector on the cable to be tested. The first and second sides of the body are less than 4 inches apart so that the first set of contacts is positioned less than 4 inches from the second set of contacts. The body may include hanging structure for hanging the adapter on an interface of the wiring analyzer and a latch for securing the adapter to the interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: DIT-MCO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Francisco Carpio, Gary D. Mullins
  • Patent number: 7439870
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for testing a cable having a plurality of conductors. The apparatus includes a power supply terminal, a grounded test probe, an interface having a plurality of pins thereon, a plurality of indicators, and a plurality of control circuits, each of the indicators corresponding to a pin of the interface. Anodes of the indicators are connected to the power supply terminal, each of the pins and a cathode of a corresponding indicator are correspondingly connected to one control circuit, when the test probe touches one pin of the interface, the corresponding indicator will be lit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignees: Hong Fu Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sheng-Liang Wu
  • Patent number: 7433860
    Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for generating labels to tag cables of a communications network. The includes creating a set of label records to be stored in a storage component; receiving search criteria for retrieving all or a portion of the label records; identifying at least one record in the storage component that corresponds to the search criteria; and providing a data stream that, when rendered by the printing device, produces labels displaying content of the identified records in a predetermined format. The system includes a user interface coupled to a storage component for receiving a search string to query the storage component for one or more records and a label controller that receives the query result and converts the result into a prescribed format whereby the query result can be rendered on a printing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventor: Joe Quint
  • Publication number: 20080238438
    Abstract: The present document describes a system for offline testing of an installed wiring harness, comprising: at least a first and a second testing module, having: a communication module for receiving test specifications and for sending test measurements; testing equipment for generating the test measurements from the test specifications; each of the first and second testing modules being adapted for connection at a connection point in the wiring harness; a central network management module, having: a communication module for providing the test specifications to the testing modules and for receiving the test measurements; and a test management module for controlling the testing modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Ziota Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Francois GERVAIS
  • Publication number: 20080231289
    Abstract: A wire diagnostic clamp including a clamp body configured to receive multiple electrical wires is provided. The wire diagnostic clamp also includes a sensor disposed within the clamp body and being configured to detect a defect in the multiple electrical wires. The wire diagnostic clamp further includes a mounting component configured to mount the wire diagnostic clamp to a substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Meena Ganesh, Selaka Bandara Bulumulla
  • Patent number: 7425833
    Abstract: A broad-band technique for reducing the distributed inductance of a four-conductor Kelvin cable is disclosed. A special inductance-canceling cable section is connected in tandem with the cable section contacting the cell/battery. Connections between the two cable sections are transposed such that conductors in each conductor pair of the canceling section connect to current-carrying and voltage-sensing conductors from different conductor pairs in the contacting section. The canceling section thereby exhibits a distributed negative mutual inductance between its current-carrying and voltage-sensing conductors that can effectively cancel the distributed positive mutual inductance introduced by the contacting section. In one embodiment, conductor pairs comprise pairs of insulated wires which may be twisted together. In other disclosed embodiments, conductor pairs comprise shielded coaxial cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin I. Bertness, Keith S. Champlin
  • Patent number: 7423434
    Abstract: Systems, methodologies, media, and other embodiments associated with detecting devices connected to a cable are described. One exemplary system embodiment includes logic configured to determine whether devices are connected to a cable and are powered while maintaining ground isolation between the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Charles J. Stancil
  • Patent number: 7423433
    Abstract: A method of testing a cable is provided. The method includes measuring at least one inductive ratio for the cable, determining an inductive gap from the at least one inductive ratio, measuring a parallel impedance of the cable, and determining a resistance of the cable based on the inductive gap and the parallel impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Scott Mordin Hoyte, Richard Dale Slates
  • Patent number: 7420375
    Abstract: An interface for a bus test instrument is readily adaptable for testing a wide range of bus types. The interface includes a pair of transmit lines and a pair of receive lines. A transmitting circuit is adaptable for transmitting either single-ended or differential signals over the transmit lines, and at least one receiving circuit is adaptable for receiving either single-ended or differential signals from either the receive lines or the transmit lines. The flexible interface allows the testing of single-ended and differential busses, as well as busses that support both unidirectional and bidirectional communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Tushar K. Gohel
  • Patent number: 7414410
    Abstract: A system and method are used to determine connectivity and/or cable faults of a cable. A signal transmitting and receiving system is coupled to the cable. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the signal transmitting and receiving system. A TDR system coupled to the ADC and a memory, and a controlling system coupled to at least one of the ADC, the TDR system, and the signal receiving and transmitting system. The controlling system includes a controller and one or more state machines that are used to control the TDR system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Art Pharn, Peiqing Wang, Siavash Fallahi
  • Patent number: 7411405
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus establish and maintain reliable network cable contacts that mitigate disconnecting effects by transmitting an AC signal with a frequency that reduces the disconnecting effects. The signal frequency may be statically or dynamically selected. The approach allows the severity of a disconnecting effect to be assessed and/or monitored and may support the scheduled replacement and/or repair of network cables identified as faulty. Information related to network cable resistance may be managed within the local device and/or with assistance from a Network Management System (NMS). Physical connection reliability and resilience against disconnecting effects is further enhanced with a physical pogo-style connector that rotates to mechanically scrape and remove oxidation and debris from a conductive contact pad surface each time a physical contact is formed. Such a contact may significantly reduce the level of oxidation, oils and other debris that contribute to the disconnecting effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventor: Ronald A. Nordin
  • Patent number: 7405573
    Abstract: An interconnect assembly is for use in connection with a semiconductor device under test (DUT) having a plurality of leads to electronic test equipment. The interconnect assembly includes a cable including a plurality of wires with at least one wire for sensing a signal from a DUT, at least one wire for a forcing signal to the DUTY and at least one wire for a guarding signal driven by the same electrical potential as the forcing signal. A male connector includes the plurality of wires, an outer metal coating surrounding the plurality of wires, and an insulating coating around the outer metal coating. A receptacle connector is for receiving the male connector and plurality of wires with corresponding contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: QualiTau, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter P. Cuevas
  • Patent number: 7391220
    Abstract: A method and device for detecting defects of an electromagnetic protection for an electric harness (H). The device (D) includes elements (M1) for generating stimulating electric signals, elements (M2) for bringing the signals up to a predetermined power level, elements (M3) for applying the signals to the harness (H) and generating an electromagnetic field, elements (M4) for converting the electromagnetic field into thermal field and elements (M5) for detecting a rise in of temperature at a point of the electromagnetic protection defect (DF).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignees: Eurocopter, Universite Paul Cezanne Aix-Marseille III
    Inventors: Serge Vallet, Michel Tholomier, Jean-Pierre Derain, Jean Duveau
  • Patent number: 7386411
    Abstract: An exemplary automatic hi-pot test apparatus (20) includes a high voltage supply (21), a transmission device configured for transmitting an electronic device (26) to be tested, a connecting device electrically connected to the high voltage supply and configured for moving and electrically connecting with or electrically disconnecting from the electronic device, a controller (28) for controlling the connecting device and the transmission device, and a detector (27) for detecting the presence of the electronic device. When the detector detects the presence of the electronic device, the detector sends a corresponding detecting signal to the controller, such that the controller stops the electronic device and drives the connecting device to electrically connect with the electronic device whereby a hi-pot test can be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignees: Innocom Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Innolux Display Corp.
    Inventors: Yan-Kai Zhang, Jun-Hua Yang, Yi Wang
  • Publication number: 20080122447
    Abstract: A resistive fault condition detector for conducting one or more tests of a circuit to detect a resistive fault condition. The detector includes means for determining changes in current through a load during the test, and means for measuring changes in first and second voltages respectively between the circuit's live and neutral conductors and between the circuit's neutral and ground conductors during the test, the changes in the first and second voltages corresponding to the changes in the current respectively. The detector also includes means for calculating apparent source impedances for the live and neutral conductors respectively, based on the changes in current and the measured changes in the first and second voltages respectively, and means for calculating an estimated source impedance for each of the live and neutral conductors for the test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Steven R. Montgomery, Nicolas Jones
  • Publication number: 20080116900
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a broken lead testing device for determining whether a lead in a balanced lead pair of a datacom circuit is broken or faulty. Terminated leads are subjected to a phase difference and/or a voltage difference test, while unterminated leads are subjected to a current injection test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: ACTERNA LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey David Crockett, Paul Thomas Parnell, Stephen Hengen
  • Patent number: 7368919
    Abstract: A method for testing an installed wiring harness is provided. The method comprises providing a signal source testing module at a first node in the wiring harness and a measurement termination testing module at a second node in the wiring harness. A central management module for controlling the testing modules coordinates the testing modules to send testing signals for performing tests and recording test measurements of the installed wiring harness. The testing modules send the test measurements to the management module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Ziota Technology Inc.
    Inventor: François Gervais
  • Publication number: 20080100307
    Abstract: A cable fault detection component (168) receives input data indicative of a fault in an electrical power system. The component (168) analyzes the input data to determine if the fault is indicative of a self-clearing cable fault and generates corresponding output data (276). In one implementation, the cable fault detection component (168) is implemented as a software module which operates on a computer (105) of a substation intelligence system (104).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: ABB RESEARCH LTD.
    Inventors: James Stoupis, Ajay C. Madwesh, David Lubkeman
  • Patent number: 7356444
    Abstract: An apparatus providing a means for assessment of the integrity of insulated conduits, harnesses, cables, pipelines and other interconnection systems constructed with integral sensitized media, discrete sensors, and electronics providing a means for transforming sensed data into information and a means for communicating information for the purpose of understanding the location, degree and risk of damage and deterioration, and the probable causes thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth Gerald Blemel
  • Patent number: 7342400
    Abstract: A test instrument employs main and remote test units at respective ends of a cable under test. The units operate in an active or passive measurement mode, wherein one of the units begins as the active unit, applying test signals to the cable under test to make a set of measurements related thereto, while the other unit takes measurements based on the signals applied by the first end. Then, after a set of measurements has been completed, the units swap roles, and the original passive end becomes the active end, applying test signal stimuli, while the original active end now becomes passive, and takes a series of corresponding measurements based from the test stimuli from the active end. The measurements are thereby overlapped and accomplished from both ends of the cable, saving time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bottman, Michael Kirita, Arthur B Liggett
  • Patent number: 7337079
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for high-resolution reflectometry that operates simultaneously in both the time and frequency domains, utilizing time-frequency signal analysis and a chirp signal multiplied by a Gaussian time envelope. The Gaussian envelope provides time localization, while the chirp allows one to excite the system under test with a swept sinewave covering a frequency band of interest. High resolution in detection of the reflected signal is provided by a time-frequency cross correlation function. The high-accuracy localization of faults in a wire/cable can be achieved by measurement of time delay offset obtained from the frequency offset of the reflected signal. The apparatus enables one to execute an automated diagnostic procedure of a wire/cable under test by control of peripheral devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Jin-Bae Park, Yong-June Shin, Jong-Gwan Yook, Edward J. Powers, Eun-Seok Song, Joo-Won Kim, Tok-Son Choe, Seung-Hoon Sung
  • Patent number: 7324913
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a first method of testing a link between a first chip and a second chip is provided. The first method includes the steps of, while operating in a test mode, (1) transmitting test data of sufficient length to enable exercising of worst case transitions from the first chip to the second chip via the link; and (2) performing cyclic redundancy checking (CRC) on the test data to test the link. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Douglas Clark, Dorothy Marie Thelen
  • Publication number: 20070279072
    Abstract: A cable includes a sheath extending a length of the cable. The cable further includes a flexible wire disposed within the sheath that runs a substantial portion of the length of the cable. The wire acts to fold the cable in a pre-defined configuration. In some implementations, the cable also includes magnets disposed on or within the sheath. The magnets act to fold the cable in the pre-defined configuration in conjunction with the flexible wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Gustav Nils FAGRENIUS, Fredrik Sven Rune PALMQVIST, Martin Johan WEDEL, Magnus Carl WALDT, Tina Eva RALIN, Ola Sten HAKANSSON
  • Patent number: 7304481
    Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, an apparatus for testing a cable includes an interface for connecting to a connector of the cable, many resistors, a socket, and a meter for testing resistance of the resistors. The interface has many pins, the resistors respectively connected to the pins in series, and the socket is electrically connected to the pins respectively via the resistors. The meter includes two probes, one of the probes is connected to another connector of the cable, and the other one of the probes is plugged into the socket. Because conductors of the cable are respectively connected to the resistors in series, the user can tell whether the cable has a fault according to the resistance indicated by the meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Liang Wu, Ke-Sheng Wang
  • Patent number: 7277822
    Abstract: An apparatus providing a means for assessment of the integrity of insulated conduits, harnesses, cables, pipelines and other interconnection systems constructed with integral sensitized media, discrete sensors, and electronics providing a means for transforming sensed data into information and a means for communicating information for the purpose of understanding the location, degree and risk of damage and deterioration, and the probable causes thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Blemel
  • Patent number: 7235979
    Abstract: The system and method of determining insertion loss of a telephone line under test (LUT) determines a first insertion loss as a function of plurality of different equivalent circuit values of the LUT determined at a plurality of different frequencies of a first set of discrete frequencies. A running standard deviation (rSTD) of a predicted length d of the LUT at each frequency of a second set of discrete frequencies is determined from the predicted lengths d of the LUT at and below said frequency. A second insertion loss is determined based on the pair of adjacent discrete frequencies of the second set of discrete frequencies that have the largest difference between their rSTDs. Based on a comparison of the first and second insertion losses to an expected insertion loss, one of these insertion losses is deemed to be the actual insertion loss of the LUT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Tollgrade Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Vitanza, Rebecca Webb Ross, Regis J. Nero, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7212009
    Abstract: A fluid detection cable is described for use in detecting the presence of leaks in areas where a particular fluid is not desired. Sensing leads in the fluid detection cable have a center conductor that may be surrounded with a non-porous conductive polymer coating that protects the conductors from corrosive fluids. A non-conductive polymer at least partially surrounds the sensing leads so that a fluid transmission path allows fluid to contact the conductive polymer. The non-conductive polymer may be porous to provide a fluid transmission path. Fluid transmission paths may also be structurally formed in the non-conductive polymer. The non-conductive polymer protects the sensing leads from false alarms that would occur if the conductive polymer were to be in contact with non-fluid conductive surfaces. The cable may also include monitor leads that are conductors coated with, or embedded in, non-conductive non-porous polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Raymond & Lae Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald M. Raymond, Donald A. Raymond, Jeffrey W. Whitham
  • Patent number: 7190172
    Abstract: A physical layer device includes first, second, third and fourth twisted pairs. First, second, third and fourth hybrid devices communicate with the first, second, third and fourth twisted pairs, respectively. First, second, third and fourth cable testers communicate with the first, second, third and fourth hybrid devices, respectively. Each of the cable testers tests the first, second, third and fourth twisted pairs and determines a cable status of the first, second, third and fourth twisted pairs during first, second, third and fourth periods, respectively. At least one of the first, second, third and fourth periods overlaps another of the first, second, third and fourth periods.A cable testing system and method tests cable and determines status, cable length and reflection amplitude. The test module includes a pretest state machine that senses activity on the cable and enables testing if activity is not detected for a first period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: William Lo, Yiqing Guo
  • Patent number: 7164274
    Abstract: A system and method are used to determine connectivity and/or cable faults of a cable. A signal transmitting and receiving system is coupled to the cable. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the signal transmitting and receiving system. A TDR system coupled to the ADC and a memory, and a controlling system coupled to at least one of the ADC, the TDR system, and the signal receiving and transmitting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Art Pharn, Peiqing Wang, Siavash Fallahi
  • Patent number: 7157917
    Abstract: A cable includes a first connector half holding a conductor terminal, a second connector half holding a conductor terminal, an electric cord electrically connecting the conductor terminal of the first connector half to the conductor terminal of the second connector half, and a waveform shaping circuit performing waveform shaping of a signal passing through the electric cord, and the first and second connector halves are structured to allow attachment to and detachment from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Naoya Nakashita, Hirotaka Nakashima, Hitoshi Oba, Masahiro Kawachi, Kizuku Fujita, Kohei Tomita
  • Patent number: 7154281
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) and method (300) for determining the status of a electric cable (20) is provided. The apparatus (100) rigidly includes a probe (104) having coaxial contacts (150, 152) and including a melt unit (102) configured to melt an insulating jacket (32) of the cable (20), an instrumentation unit (106) coupled to the probe (104) and housing a cable analysis circuit (186), a status display unit (188) coupled to the instrumentation unit (106), an insulated shank (108) coupled to the instrumentation unit (106), and a hotstick adapter (110) coupled to the insulated shank (108). The cable analysis circuit (186) includes a connection determination circuit (200) configured to determine if an electrical connection between the probe (104) and the cable (20) is a valid connection, and a status determination circuit (222) configured to determine the status of the cable (20) while the electrical connection is a valid connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Gregory H. Piesinger
  • Patent number: 7129711
    Abstract: A device for controlling the manufacture of a medium or high voltage cable in particular of the inner and outer semi-conducting layers. For control purposes the current or capacitance is measured by a measuring electrode encircling the cable and connected to a high frequency source. Equipotential electrodes join the measuring electrodes on both sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Sikora AG
    Inventors: Harry Prunk, Klaus Bremer
  • Patent number: 7116112
    Abstract: A cable test apparatus includes a power supply terminal, an open circuit indicator with an anode connected to the power supply terminal, a short circuit indicator, a first interface, a second interface, and a switch. The first interface and the second interface have a plurality of pins thereon. In the first interface, a first pin is connected to a cathode of the open circuit indicator, a second pin is connected to an anode of the short circuit indicator, a third pin is grounded, the other pins are shorted. The pins of the second interface are shorted as well. Therefore all wires of the cable are connected in series, even wires located at one side of the short circuit indicator, and odd wires are located at the other side of the short circuit indicator. In a short circuit test, the switch connects the second pin and a fourth pin; in an open circuit test, the switch connects the fourth pin and the cathode of the short circuit indicator and shorts the open circuit indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bin Shu
  • Patent number: 7112969
    Abstract: An automated wire testing system includes adapter modules that couple a wire harness under test with an interface test adapter. The interface test adapter (ITA) is coupled to or integrated with an automated wire testing machine. The ITA has a panel into which a standardized connector can be plugged in any of a number of positions. Stimulus/response paths originating at test points on the wire testing machine are distributed over a larger number of contacts on the panel connectors to provide flexibility. Adapter modules for any wire harness can readily be built using the standardized connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Geoffrey L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7113102
    Abstract: A system having a screen, in particular a flat screen, and having an external power supply unit that can be connected by a plug connector to the screen in order to supply the screen with a DC voltage. The system provides a signaling device at the power supply unit end and a comparator at the screen end for comparison of the operating parameters of the power supply unit with nominal operating parameters. A fault signaling device is provided for indicating unacceptable discrepancies between the signaled operating parameters and the stored operating parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Siemens Computers GmbH
    Inventor: Albertus Soemantri
  • Patent number: 7106071
    Abstract: A system and method are used to determine connectivity and/or cable faults of a cable. A signal transmitting and receiving system is coupled to the cable. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the signal transmitting and receiving system. A TDR system coupled to the ADC and a memory, and a controlling system coupled to at least one of the ADC, the TDR system, and the signal receiving and transmitting system. The controlling system includes a controller and one or more state machines that are used to control the TDR system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Art Pharn, Peiqing Wang, Siavash Fallahi
  • Patent number: 7098645
    Abstract: An offline phase of a cable length measuring method involves a determination of a plurality of preset frequency test signals for facilitating the length measurement of the cable based on a maximum measurable length of the cable. An online phase minimally involves a measurement of the length of the cable based on a first reflected phase shift between a first preset frequency test signal as transmitted at a transmission end of the cable and a first preset frequency reflection signal representative of a reflection of the first preset frequency test signal at a reflection end of the cable, and based on a second reflected phase shift between the second preset frequency test signal as transmitted at the transmission end of the cable and a second preset frequency reflection signal representative of a reflection of the second preset frequency test signal at the reflection end of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xing Zhu, Harshang Pandya, Ravi-Kishore Doddavaram
  • Patent number: 7098643
    Abstract: A device and method for identifying each set of wire from a multiple of substantially identical sets of wires at the distributed end includes of a multiple of substantially identical resistors connected in series, metal wire holder connected to the each junctions and to the each ends and an electrically non-conducting housing with a multiple of openings for inserting wires to connect to each wire holder. The resistance between the first wire holder at one end and each successive wire holder increases in a finite step and corresponds to the markings on the housing. When all ground wires are connected to the first wire holder and each hot wire are connected the successive wire holders at the distributing end, the resistance between the ground wire and the hot wire identifies each set at the distributed end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Dae S. Kim