Conductor Identification Or Location (e.g., Phase Identification) Patents (Class 324/66)
  • Publication number: 20080224686
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for identifying, among a plurality of cables having respective first and second cable end portions, a connected cable connected to a selected antenna without interrupting service thereof. A signal emitter is connected to the respective first cable end portion, proximal the selected antenna, of the connected cable. A signal meter is connected to the respective second end portion of each cable. A signal is emitted from the signal emitter and the respective received signal amplitude of the signal received at the second respective cable end portion is measured. The cable for which the respective received signal amplitude of the signal received at the second respective cable end portion is greatest is the connected cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Christian Boucher
  • Patent number: 7423545
    Abstract: The present invention is a technique for locating and identifying a failed filter/arrester in an underground conveyance such as a fiber optic cable. A sensor is installed in the filter/arrester housing to sense grounding of a cable locating frequency. The sensor will monitor the cable locating signal that is normally on the cable and blocked by the filter arrester to ground. A small radio frequency oscillator (85 to 88 Hz), also installed inside the filter housing, is activated by the sensor. The RF signal is detected above ground with standard cable locating equipment. A warning indicator such as an indicator light may also be installed on the outside of the filter housing. The indicator is also activated by the sensor. In that way, the particular failed filter can be identified if multiple filters are installed at that location. The power that will be required to operate the RF transmitter and indicator will be obtained from the voltage passing through the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Connie H. Barnes, John K. Boland, II, Hossein Eslambolchi, John Sinclair Huffman, Linard H. Miller, Randall G. Scholz
  • 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: 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: 7385406
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring inspection system. The system includes an electrical measurement apparatus having at least one load center connector configured to couple the electrical measurement apparatus to a load center, at least one branch circuit connective device configured to couple the electrical measurement apparatus to a portion of a branch circuit, and at least one electrical measurement circuit disposed between the at least one load center connector and the at least one branch circuit connective device. The at least one electrical measurement circuit is configured to perform a series of electrical test procedures to obtain a plurality of electrical parameters. A portable computing device (PCD) includes processing circuitry, a user interface coupled to the processing circuitry, and at least one communications interface configured to couple the portable computing device to the electrical measurement apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick K. Blades
  • Patent number: 7372246
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the relative phase between current-carrying conductors. A reference unit samples and digitizes a voltage waveform at a reference location and transmits the digitized voltage waveform. A field sampling unit is placed on or directly adjacent a field conductor at a field location and transmits a signal representative of the voltage waveform of the field conductor. A field unit receives and digitizes the waveform received from the field sampling unit, and receives the digitized voltage waveform from the reference unit, and compares the digitized field waveform and the digitized reference waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventors: Harold I. Marsden, Aaron Coolidge
  • Patent number: 7362085
    Abstract: A power line carrier communication system includes a power line, a first communication device, a second communication device, the first and second communication devices being arranged on the power line and performing a communication via the power line, a storage section that stores information on a physical position of a first communication device, a detecting section that detects a communication state between the first and second communication devices, a relative position calculating section that calculates a relative position between the first and second communication devices based on the communication state, and an arithmetic operation section that calculates a physical position of the second communication device from the relative position and the information on the physical position of the first communication device stored in the storage section, and stores information on the calculated physical position of the second communication device into the storage section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinichiro Tsudaka, Hideo Nakata
  • Patent number: 7352289
    Abstract: A method for detecting a network cable connection state is disclosed. The method includes detecting a change of connection state of a connector using a sensor that resides in the connector and generating cable connection state information from the information supplied by the sensor. Cable connection state information is communicated to a connection state monitoring utility for facilitating network fault detection. The cable plug or socket may also contain an embedded processor, memory and unique identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy Harris
  • Publication number: 20080061762
    Abstract: An electrical continuity test system with a tester and a remote probe. The tester includes circuitry for creating a pulsed current, an output for connection to a local end of a first test conductive element, to inject the pulses into the first test conductive element, an input for connection to a local end of a second test conductive element, and a visual and/or aural indication when the injected pulses are present on the second test conductive element. The remote probe includes an input for connection to a remote end of a first unidentified conductive element, an output for connection to a remote end of a second unidentified conductive element, a first visual and/or aural indication when the first unidentified conductive element is the first test conductive element, and a different visual and/or aural indication when the first unidentified conductive element is the second test conductive element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Blanchard
  • Patent number: 7336061
    Abstract: A group wiring system includes a hub of a server system, a distribution frame including a plurality of wire pair receptacles, a plurality of remote receptacles, a testing device, and a plurality of testing circuits. Each testing circuit is coupled between conductive wires of contacts of an associated wire pair receptacle. Each testing circuit includes a light emitting device and a filtering device. The light emitting device emits light when the testing device applies a testing voltage to the contacts. The testing voltage is a low-frequency voltage signal having a frequency higher than 200 Hz that creates a circuit impedance higher than an impedance of the filtering device when passing through the hub, thereby decaying and filtering the voltage signal and allowing locating test while the server system is on-line. A method for locating wire pairs in a group wiring system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: YFC-Boneagle Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ying-Ming Ku, Yi-Huang Lee, Tien-Chi Tseng
  • Patent number: 7327278
    Abstract: A method and a circuit is disclosed that facilitates identifying a remote end and optionally an intermediate location of an installed cable, such as a cable for carrying data, without the need to disconnect the cable. One or more circuits may be connected across two wires along the length of a cable. Each circuit includes a power connector, a switching circuit and an indicator, such as a light emitting diode (LED), connected across the two wires included in a cable. The circuit is configured such that the indicator in each circuit connected to the two wires is illuminated in responsive to a nominal DC voltage applied to the power connector in any circuits connected across the two wires without disrupting any data being carried thereby. In one embodiment of the invention, the circuit is directly into a cable connector. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the circuit is configured to be retrofit in the field for use with existing cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventors: John Dannenmann, Ronald Helgerson
  • Patent number: 7323882
    Abstract: An electrified wall panel in a modular furniture environment includes a plurality of multi-port electrical distribution blocks diversely located throughout the panel. Certain ones of the multi-port electrical distribution blocks are fixed to wall panel frame members and other ones of the multi-port electrical distribution blocks are free of the wall panel. A plurality of jumper cables, each having connectors at opposite cable ends are adapted to mate with any one of the multi-port electrical distribution block ports. The cables electrically interconnect the distribution blocks to form one complete circuit. There are a plurality of electrical receptacles, each having an electrical connector near one end which are electrically coupled to a port of a corresponding multi-port electrical distribution block. The system is assembled by fixing a jumper mounting bracket to a jumper cable near one end of the jumper cable. The jumper mounting bracket is attached to a support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Pent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Hayes, Shawn J. Kondas
  • Patent number: 7321231
    Abstract: A measuring instrument has a phase signal transmitter that transmits, in accordance with a rotation of the spindle, a phase signal that differs corresponding to the rotation angle of the spindle, and an arithmetic processor that arithmetically processes the phase signal to obtain the absolute position of the spindle. The phase signal transmitter transmits the phase signal at a predetermined pitch. Since the phase signal differs corresponding to the rotation angle of the spindle, a rotation angle of the spindle is uniquely determined by the phase signal. Unlike an increment type measuring instrument, since there is no concern that the signal will be skip-read, the spindle can be rotated at high speed, so that operational performance of the micrometer can be improved. Further, since there is no concern that the signal will be skip-read, the phase signal can be minutely varied with respect to the rotation of the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Shuuji Hayashida, Shozaburo Tsuji, Yuji Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 7312715
    Abstract: Method and system for managing cabling rooms that include a plurality of communication panels, which are arranged closely to one another. Each cabling room has a plurality of patch panels, structurally connected to form vertical structures. An operator is automatically guided to a communication panel or a plurality of communication panels, in which changes are to be made to modify the connectivity status or to deal with connectivity problems that may arise for any reason. The system automatically indicates to an operator optimal ports that are available and optimal patch cords for connecting them, based on distances between ports and on the electrical characteristics of the electrical signals that it is intended to pass between the ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: RIT Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: David Shalts, Dael Govreen-Segal
  • Patent number: 7307408
    Abstract: A device for identifying individual cables communicating between many remote locations to one central location using the building AC ground circuit to communicate between the remote location and the central location. The device includes a plurality of tubes adapted to engage individual cables and corresponding light-emitting diodes (LED) adjacent to each tube. A needle in the tube provides communication with the wire of the insulated cable. A remote interconnection cable provides connection between cable remote ends, and the building ground circuit concurrently providing a means to prevent engagement with the energized AC circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventors: Gregory Porcu, Gabriel Porcu
  • Publication number: 20070279036
    Abstract: There is disclosed an electrostatic discharge (ESD) device tester and a method of operating the tester. In an embodiment, the method comprises operating the tester by uniquely identifying an ESD device to be tested using identification means provided on the tester; taking at least one test measurement of the uniquely identified ESD device using testing means provided on the tester, the testing means being configurable in dependence upon data associated with the uniquely identified ESD device; and storing the at least one test measurement in a storage means provided in the tester. A running average of test measurements for the uniquely identified ESD device may be stored on the tester in order to compare a test measurement against the running average. A test is repeated if a test measurement falls outside of a predetermined range of the running average.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Roger Enta
  • Patent number: 7305067
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for connecting a tone generator to a plurality of conductors communication line. The apparatus includes an interconnect structure that includes multiple leads each including an electrically conductive portion having a first end and a second end. The multiple leads are commonly electrically attached at the first end and are configured to electrically attach to a tone generator. The multiple leads also include a plurality of electrical connection devices electrically attached to a plurality of corresponding leads at the second end. A plurality of first electrical connection devices are configured to engage a plurality of electrical conductors of a communication line to provide an electrical connection between the tone generator and a plurality of electrical conductors of the communication line. The system includes a tone generator coupled to the interconnect structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc
    Inventor: Frederick James Diggle, III
  • Patent number: 7271597
    Abstract: An electronic device has a first signal path, a first power supply path, and a connector that transmits to an external device the input signal on which the voltage has been superposed. The device also has a first power supply switch inserted into the first power supply path and an amplitude detector that detects at the connector an amplitude of the input signal, a control section that determines, based on a detection output from the amplitude detector, which a connection condition of the external device to the connector is a first condition in which the external device is not connected to the connector or a second condition in which the external device is connected to the connector. Based on the connection condition, the control section turns on or off the first power supply switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Takano
  • 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: 7227345
    Abstract: A fibre channel cable locator for locating an unidentified plugged end of a fibre channel cable within a fibre channel SAN at a location of an identified unplugged end of the fibre channel cable. In operation, the fibre channel cable locator determines the identified unplugged end of the fibre channel cable is connected to the fibre channel cable locator, logs into the fibre channel SAN device connected to the unidentified plugged end of the fibre channel cable based on the connection of the identified unplugged end of the fibre channel cable to the fibre channel cable locator, and queries the fibre channel SAN device via the login for SAN device identification information indicative of a location of the fibre channel SAN device win the fibre channel SAN.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David F. Dehaan, Louie A. Dickens
  • Patent number: 7224170
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting whether an antenna is property connected to a distributed antenna network. The current drawn by the antenna is measured and compared against an expected current draw or reference level. The measured level of current drawn by the antenna is indicative of whether the antenna is properly connected or is disconnected. The comparison results may be used as the basis for creating a status message, which is then communicated to a central monitoring unit for each antenna. The central monitoring unit may generate appropriate alarms in response to a status message indicating a fault condition at a particular antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: P. G. Electronics
    Inventors: Gerald Graham, Paul Liber
  • Patent number: 7211994
    Abstract: The identification of the path and termination points of copper landlines is performed through the use of natural events without the aid of network provisioning information. At least one sferics detector detects at least one sferics event. A listening device, which may be separate from, or integrated with, the sferics detector, is attached to at least one wire that is capable of detecting a noise related to the at least one sferics event. A computing device, possibly attached to the listening device, is capable of matching the noise to the at least one sferics event. The computing device is further capable of determining the location of at least part of the wire based on the location of the listening device and locations of at least two sferics events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Federal Network Systems Inc.
    Inventors: John-Francis Mergen, Carl M. E. Powell
  • Patent number: 7202796
    Abstract: In order to provide a triggering signal for a cable stripping device that is also capable of dealing with very thin wires, it is suggested to use a piezoelectric sensor, the output signal from which is forwarded to an electronic evaluation unit. The electronic evaluation unit then outputs a digital signal that enables the stripping process to be started safely. Various mechanical mechanisms are suggested to ensure that the digital signal is not triggered when not being touched. This problem is proposed to be solved by a low pass filter discriminating between sensor inputs by touching and vibration shock events, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Komax Holding AG
    Inventor: Nicolas Ruchti
  • Patent number: 7157896
    Abstract: The transmitter of the circuit breaker locator draws large amplitude, short duration, phase locked unipolar pulses of current from the power source at a frequency lower than that of the AC line frequency. The audible and visual indicators of the transmitter are triggered at the rate of the current pulses drawn from the AC line. The receiver of the circuit breaker locator has a pick-up coil that responds to magnetic field surrounding the circuit breaker, an amplifier for boosting the signal from the pick-up coil, and a single shot pulse stretcher triggered by the amplifier. The pulse stretcher drives both audible and visual signals, and at the same time charges a memory capacitor in a staircase generator fashion. The magnitude of the memory capacitor voltage in turn controls the gain of the amplifier. A switch controls the voltage applied to the amplifier, which increases by a predetermined amount when released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: A. W. Sperry Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: John G. Konopka
  • Patent number: 7154255
    Abstract: A device for identifying consumable products including a main unit including an electronic circuit, and a consumable product detachably connected to the main unit. The consumable product includes a property-varying analog element whose analog value of electric property continuously varies when connected to the main unit and applied with a current. The main unit includes a current-applying portion for applying the current to the property-varying analog element of the consumable product, and a detecting portion for detecting the varying electric property of the property-varying analog element, which is applied with the current by the current-applying portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shoichi Toya
  • Patent number: 7145319
    Abstract: An electrical conductor locating device comprises a pulse generator and a detector. The pulse generator includes a transformer with outputs for connecting to two positions along the electrical conductor to define a closed loop. The current in the closed loop produces an electromagnetic field around the conductor. The detector is comprised of a magnetic field sensor coupled to the input of an amplifier. The output of the amplifier is connected to an indicator, such as a LED. When the sensor is moved perpendicularly closer to the conductor, it senses an increasing magnetic or electromagnetic field strength so the amplifier drives the indicator at greater intensity. When the sensor is directly aligned with the conductor, the sensor is inside the equipotential point of the magnetic or electromagnetic field where the field strength approaches zero, so the amplifier drives the indicator at close to zero intensity and thus pinpoints the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: William Herbert Dunning
  • Patent number: 7141960
    Abstract: The method is for testing an electrical component. The sender unit 12 may be applied to an electrical plug 24 that has a first line 28, a second line 32 and a ground line 36. It is determined which of the lines 28, 32, 36 that has a voltage potential relative to the surrounding. The phase configuration of the electrical plug 24 may be determined. The unit 14 is applied to a remote electrical unit and the sender sends a synchronization signal 41 to the receiver unit 14 that starts a counter providing a measurement of the time difference between corresponding phase positions of the alternating current of the plug 24 and that of the remote electrical unit. This time difference can then be converted to a phase difference value. The system may also be used to identify a specific fuse that is associated with the plug and for testing ground fault interrupting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Sagab Electronic AB
    Inventor: Lars Mats Jan Bystrom
  • Patent number: 7127041
    Abstract: For tracing multi-conductor cable runs from multiple phone/data locations throughout a building or complex to a junction facility where the cables need to be systematically identified and connected to a terminal panel, rapid tracing and identification are accomplished by deploying a large number of special low-cost senders, e.g. a set of forty eight senders, connecting as many senders as required to energize every cable at each location via its standard modular jack. Each sender delivers a unique identification signal, e.g. a spoken number from 1 to 48, energizing a corresponding phone cable and/or data cable. With all of the cables thusly energized simultaneously and distinguishably, a technician working with a proximity probe in the junction facility can rapidly identify and tag and/or connect all the cables in an uninterrupted session, without requiring the usual assistant and intercom link, and with no time wasted probing unenergized cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Richard H. Houck
  • Patent number: 7116093
    Abstract: The tone generator uses a highly accurate frequency signal to generate an accurate and stable tone signal. A cadence pattern may be used to output the tone signal onto a test cable in an easily distinguishable pattern. The tone signal may be selectively output at an in-band band frequency or an out-band frequency. A corresponding tone probe may be used to detect the tone signal. The tone probe uses a high-Q bandpass filter to reject all but the expected frequency of the tone signal. The signal passing the bandpass filter is proportional to the detected tone signal. The tone probe generates an audio signal unrelated to the frequency of the tone signal. The audio signal is modulated by the signal from the bandpass filter, and then broadcast through a speaker. Accordingly, the tone probe provides an audible sound proportional to the strength of the tone signal, but is unrelated in frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Psibor Data Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell J. Johnson, John C. McCosh
  • Patent number: 7109888
    Abstract: A method and apparatus employing an array of spaced detectors and a detection circuit to detect disturbance of first and second conductors and provide signals to a computer system to determine both the presence of the intruder and the direction of travel of the intruder. The velocity of the intruder's travel may also be determined. When used with a destruction device to destroy an intruder such as an explosive shell, the lob time and the killing distance may also be calculated and used to fire the shell and to explode it at a position to destroy the intruder. Often the intruder is an armored vehicle or a tank. The conductors may be spaced in an array that has the appearance of a spider web. The conductors may be light weight conductive elastomeric conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventors: Joseph A. Iannotti, Richard J. Gawrelski
  • Patent number: 7102344
    Abstract: A circuit testing device includes a housing that is sized and adapted to securely fit into a light bulb socket. The device includes spring-loaded prongs which securely hold the housing in place in the socket until it is desired to remove the testing device. The testing device generates an audible signal when power is applied to the socket to alert a user that power is present, even if the user is located at a distance from the point of test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Barry W. F. Short
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7081820
    Abstract: A surface tracker includes a tubular marker body having an interior electronic marker and a visual indicator attached to an upper end of the marker body which extends away from the marker body. When deployed, the marker body is mostly underground and the visual indictor extends upwardly from the ground level to provide above-ground visual recognition. The visual indicator may be a plurality of resilient filaments which pass through a hole in a tab portion of the marker body at the upper end thereof, the filaments being folded about the tab portion and secured to the tab portion using a heat-shrink tube. The visual indication, along with the ability to electronically detect the marker, provides a tracker with superior locating capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Joe T. Minarovic
  • Patent number: 7078886
    Abstract: In order to enable the information contained in an identification connector to be read in a manner that is more reliable, faster, and without risk of damage, the invention provides a reader appliance for reading identification connectors for airplane engines, the connector comprising a plurality of contacts connected to a decoding circuit, each contact corresponding to a binary digit, one or more of the binary digits corresponding to information relating to characteristics of the engine. The reader appliance comprises connection means suitable for receiving at least one identification connector, the connection means being connected to processor means responding to control members in order to display on a display device the information contained in the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignees: Hispano-Suiza, SNECMA Services
    Inventors: Christian Bregaint, Patrice Cheminot, Jean-Marc Druesne, Roger Menguy
  • Patent number: 7071702
    Abstract: A multi-jack detector for detecting states of a plurality of jacks. Each jack comprises a first switch having a first normally closed terminal and a first output terminal. The multi-jack detector comprises a plurality of bias resistors each coupled to one of the first output terminals, respectively; a control unit for determining the states of the plurality of jacks; wherein the first normally closed terminals are commonly coupled to a first node and the control unit determines the states of the plurality of jacks according to a voltage at the first node. Because the voltage at the first node is different for each state of the jacks, the detector can detects the states of the jacks using a single I/O pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventors: Ming-Jane Hsieh, Chuting Su, Yi-Shu Chang, Ming-Lih Lin
  • Patent number: 7057401
    Abstract: A system for testing and documenting the electrical wiring in a building, for example, includes a Portable Circuit Analyzer (PCA) that is connected to the building's Load Center through an umbilical cord. The PCA is in wireless communication with a hand-held computer device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) as now widely available, provided with custom software according to the invention. The electrician connects the PCA in succession to each circuit in the building, operating each switch, and each fixture or appliance, while recording the test results of the circuit element on the PDA. The PCA measures the resistance and length of each circuit thus established. When the test process is completed, the PDA is enabled to generate a complete schematic diagram of the building, including, for example, an identification of the branch circuit to which each fixture, outlet, appliance, or other load or connection point is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick K. Blades
  • Patent number: 7053598
    Abstract: The scheme for detecting the plug-in status by using single bit generated by a network with serial resistors, comprising a plurality of jacks having a spring switch, wherein the number of the plurality of jacks can be selected depending on the demand and a plurality of resistors followed the spring switch and connected in serial. Output voltage-generating resistor is coupled to the plurality of resistors in parallel to obtain the output voltage, thereby determining the plug-in status. Wherein the plurality of jacks and the plurality of resistors construct a multi-jack network, a first terminal of the multi-jack network refers to a common node between a first connecting terminals of the spring switch of the plurality of jacks and a first resistor of the plurality of resistors, the first terminal being coupled to a first reference voltage, a second terminal of the multi-Jack network refers to a common node between the second connecting terminals of the last jack and the last resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: C-Media Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Wen-Lung Shieh, Chih-Hung Tseng
  • Patent number: 7049937
    Abstract: Apparatus for use with a cable for interconnecting electronic devices is described. The apparatus includes an indicator for identifying a characteristic of the cable, and includes a mechanism operable to cause the indicator to identify the characteristic of the cable. The indicator can be for example an LED and can be used to identify the location of an end of the cable. The mechanism can be a pushbutton located at the other end of the cable. The LED is illuminated when the pushbutton is activated. A signal generator is responsive to the pushbutton and provides a signal to the LED to cause the LED to illuminate. The signal generator can be implemented with a DMTF encoder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Zweig, Joseph M. Allem
  • Patent number: 7031859
    Abstract: A line phase identification system and method identifies the phase of a power line at a remote unknown-phase line (160) in a three-phase power distribution network (100). The instantaneous phase of a known-phase line (150) is measured and saved each GPS second using a 1-pps time mark of a GPS receiver (660). The instantaneous phase at the unknown-phase line (160) is measured at a single GPS second using the 1-pps time mark of a GPS receiver (660) and compared to the phase measurement taken from the known-phase line (150) at the same GPS second. The differential phase between these simultaneously taken known and unknown instantaneous phases will be close to either 0, +120, or ?120 degrees, thus identifying the line phase at the line under test (160).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Gregory H. Piesinger
  • Patent number: 7026803
    Abstract: A capacitive amplifier and tone generator detect and amplify an electrical tone conducted by one of a group of wires or a pair of wires in order to identify and trace a particular wire or pair of wires. The capacitive amplifier has a probe for being placed adjacent a wire under test, an input terminal coupled to the conductive probe for receiving an input signal therefrom, a suppression unit coupled to the input terminal for receiving the input signal and for suppressing the noise signals, and an amplifier coupled to the suppression unit to amplify the noiseless output signal. The suppression unit can include an analog/digital converter, a digital/analog converter, a CPU and a memory for suppressing noise frequencies contained in the digital signal values by subtracting from the input signal a time-delayed signal wherein a time-delay period corresponds to a period of the unwanted noise frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Kurth
  • Patent number: 7005841
    Abstract: A process allows the relative locating of a first electrical appliance and a second electrical appliance by the measurement of a first number of alternations or of electrical periods by the first electrical appliance from the energizing of the said first part and up to transmission of a signal by the first electrical appliance, the measurement of a second number of alternations or of electrical periods by the second electrical appliance from the energizing of the said second part and up to receipt of a signal from the first electrical appliance and the comparison of the first number with the second number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventor: Xavier Grobon
  • Patent number: 6998994
    Abstract: The present invention is a technique for locating and identifying a failed filter/arrester in an underground conveyance such as a fiber optic cable. A sensor is installed in the filter/arrester housing to sense grounding of a cable locating frequency. The sensor will monitor the cable locating signal that is normally on the cable and blocked by the filter arrester to ground. A small radio frequency oscillator (85 to 88 Hz), also installed inside the filter housing, is activated by the sensor. The RF signal is detected above ground with standard cable locating equipment. A warning indicator such as an indicator light may also be installed on the outside of the filter housing. The indicator is also activated by the sensor. In that way, the particular failed filter can be identified if multiple filters are installed at that location. The power that will be required to operate the RF transmitter and indicator will be obtained from the voltage passing through the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Connie H. Barnes, John K Boland, II, Hossein Eslambolchi, John Sinclair Huffman, Linard H. Miller, Randall G. Scholz
  • Patent number: 6984990
    Abstract: Apparatus for detecting connection state between stereo earphone plug and corresponding jack of mobile communication terminal. The apparatus includes an earphone jack having two terminals which are disconnected from each other only when an earphone plug is inserted into the jack; a switching unit connected to one of the two terminals, and driven only when the two terminals are connected to each other; a comparator connected to the switching unit, for generating a first state signal when the switching unit is driven, and generating a second state signal when the switching unit is not driven; and a controller for receiving the first or second state signal from the comparator, and determining whether the earphone plug is connected to the jack according to the first or second state signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ok-Jo Shin
  • Patent number: 6975242
    Abstract: This specialized networking cable includes a plurality of twisted copper wire pairs encased in a flexible sheath for effectuating transmissive interconnections, electrically activated telltales affixed to both ends of the cable at positions adjacent to and connected to at least one of the copper wire pairs for providing an identification signal when activated; and means for selectively applying a current to the cable that activates the telltales and does not interfere with the flow of data through the cable whereby the telltales may be activated on at least one of the twisted copper pairs. An LED and an electric power connector suitable for plug-in connection of a power pack are affixed to the cable adjacent each end such that both LEDs are lighted whenever power is applied to either of the electrical connectors. The attendant illumination of the LEDs readily indicates where both ends of the networking cable are located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventors: John Dannenmann, Ronald Helgerson
  • Patent number: 6963192
    Abstract: A device for tracing electrical cable. The device allows a cable installer or service person not only to identify one wire or cable in a group, but to simultaneously remotely identify as many cables as he desires. The device requires only that the installer connect a test device to each of the cables which he wishes to identify. Additionally, this identification is extremely easy to accomplish, as the “Identifying label” is in the installers own spoken words, and can be heard at the remote end by using existing industry standard test equipment (i.e.: an installer's test set, phone, headset, or amplified probe).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: James A. Schultz
  • Patent number: 6944553
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided that can facilitate providing test data for communications cables to remotely located customers. A customer accesses a server of a cable manufacturer via a client program executing on a client device. The server accepts entry of identification information for a communications cable (e.g., a unique identifier printed on the cable at predetermined intervals) via the remotely located client device. The server retrieves test data for the communications cable based on the entered information and provides the retrieved test data to the client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: CommScope Properties, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Jeffrey Minch
  • Patent number: 6906505
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for accurately locating ends of cords, wires cables or conduits, in particular in the fields of electricity, electronics, telephone and computer. The device includes an optical fiber disposed on a cord and extending from a first end to a second end of the cord. The optical fiber includes a first fiber end disposed at the first end of the cord and a second fiber end disposed at the second end of the cord. The device further includes a means for injecting light disposed proximate the first fiber end, the first fiber end being accessible so as to be illuminated by the means for injecting light and the second fiber end being accessible so as to recover the light injected at the first fiber end. Said device is useful for locating computer switching cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventors: Patrice Brunet, Eric Tande
  • Patent number: 6900629
    Abstract: A group wiring device which has built-in light emitting means and switch mechanism coupled with wire pair receptacle thereof. The switch mechanism is normally on a “CLOSE” status but can be switched to an “OPEN” status when a plug mates with the wire pair receptacle. When the switch mechanism is “CLOSE” and a testing voltage is applied to the circuit of the light emitting means, the light emitting means will emit light for assisting wire pair identification. After the process of wire pair identification is complete, the group wiring device is deemed to be in normal operation, that is, to perform ordinary signal transmitting functions. The wire pair receptacle will then be mated with plug of network cable so as to drive the switch mechanism to become “OPEN”. Therefore, the circuit of light emitting means becomes an open circuit and provides no function at all.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventors: Richard Hwang, Memiee Hwang, Wayne Hwang, Jim Hwang
  • Patent number: 6894504
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for pre-qualifying lines with respect to estimating the insertion loss of the line is presented. End-to-end insertion loss at high frequencies is estimated from measurements made at low frequencies through the voice switch at the central office of a telephone company. An AC voltage waveform is applied to the telephone line being tested. Real and imaginary components of the resultant waveform are measured. These measurements are captured and used to estimate the insertion loss of the telephone line at frequencies in the range of 40 kHz to 300 kHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Faulkner
  • Patent number: 6885180
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrical cable identification that is both expeditiously and easily deployed, lightweight to facilitate on-person portability, and provides quick on-site identification of both primary and secondary cables, including grounded secondary cables/conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventors: Emory W. Benson, Tim Foster