In Communication Systems Patents (Class 361/119)
  • Publication number: 20100309599
    Abstract: A lightning arrestor apparatus is disclosed, which is comprised of a connecting piece, a first coaxial cable, a second coaxial cable and a grounding lead. Said connecting piece comprises a first connecting end and second connecting end on both sides of said connecting piece. Said first coaxial cable comprises the first terminal to connect said first connecting end for transmitting signal. Said second coaxial cable comprises the second terminal to connect said second connecting end for transmitting signal above-mentioned. Said grounding lead is installed under said connecting piece. The exteriors of said first terminal and said first connecting end have been further wrapped with a first protection coating. The exteriors of said second terminal and said second connecting end have been further wrapped with a second protection coating. Thereby the invention not only can reduce the transmission loss, but also can avoid inappropriate assembly and moisture intrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Grand-Tek Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Chia-Jung Chen
  • Patent number: 7839618
    Abstract: An AC/DC power device for AC/DC power line communication is provided. An AC/DC protection circuit coupled to an AC/DC power line is able to receive an AC or DC power. An AC/DC configuration circuit coupled to the AC/DC protection circuit is used to switch between an AC mode and a DC mode PLC. An AC/DC coupling/filtering circuit coupled to the AC/DC configuration circuit is to couple and filter the received power, and then coupled an AC voltage or a first DC voltage. An AC/DC converter coupled to the AC/DC coupling/filtering circuit is used to convert the AC voltage into a second DC voltage. A DC/DC converter coupled to the AC/DC coupling/filtering circuit and the AC/DC converter is to convert the first DC voltage (DC mode) and convert the second DC voltage (AC mode), so as to output DC voltages respectively to analog and digital circuit of the PLC modem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Chin-Lung Lee
  • Patent number: 7826194
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tunable ?/4-filter subassembly whose frequency response can be adjusted. For this purpose, the ?/4-filter subassembly has a signal-conducting electrical conductor and an electrically conductive element that is at a reference potential. Furthermore, at least one short-circuit device is provided that electrically contacts the electrical conductor. An electrical coupling device is provided that couples the short-circuit device at a settable contact position to the electrically conductive element, wherein the electrical coupling device and the short-circuit device are movable relative to each other in order to set the length of the short-circuit device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Friedrich-Eckhard Brand
  • Patent number: 7821758
    Abstract: Protection circuits for protecting equipment connected to a telecommunication wire pair is disclosed. A protection circuit in one embodiment utilizes a series arrangement of solid state protectors wherein at least some of the solid state protectors are biased. The protection circuit reduces the level of intermodulation distortion in broadband signals that is caused by nonlinear capacitance of solid state protectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: ADTRAN, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Joffe, Kevin Earnst
  • Publication number: 20100265626
    Abstract: The present invention contemplates systems and methods for distributing RF and DC signals and detecting, logging and suppressing surge energy associated with surge events such as lightning and power line surges. The detection and logging is provided in order to determine possible causes of a failure and who might be responsible for the repair. The suppression is provided in order to protect electrical equipment such as split mount wireless radio systems from catastrophic failure due to surge events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Youming Qin, Frank S. Matsumoto, David C. M. Pham
  • Publication number: 20100265625
    Abstract: A high voltage surge protection device having a characteristic impedance includes a center conductor defining an axis, an electrically conductive outer body concentrically disposed in surrounding relation to the inner conductor, and a dielectric layer disposed between the center conductor and the outer body. An electrically conductive surge protective element having a first value of effective impedance is disposed in electrical contact with the outer body and in spaced-apart relationship with the center conductor. The spaced-apart relationship forms a gap between the surge protective element and the center conductor. An insulative tuning element having a second value of effective impedance larger than the first value of effective impedance is coupled to the surge protective element in impedance-restorative relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Noah Montena
  • Patent number: 7813099
    Abstract: A powerstrip apparatus having powerline networking capability. The apparatus has a housing member, which an outer region and an inner region. An AC power line is coupled to the housing member. In a specific embodiment, the AC powerline includes a male connector device, e.g., two prong, three prong. The apparatus has a surge protector coupled to the AC power line. The surge protector is within a first portion of the inner region of the housing member. The apparatus has one or more AC power outlets coupled to the surge protector. The one or more AC power outlets is spatially disposed on a first portion of the outer region of the housing member. An on/off switch is coupled between the one or more AC power outlets and the surge protector. A power line device is coupled to the AC powerline. The power line device is adapted to process a data signal from the AC powerline in a first format to a second format. A switching power supply is coupled to the AC powerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Asoka USA Corporation
    Inventor: Tat Keung Chan
  • Patent number: 7808752
    Abstract: A method for implementing an inductor-capacitor filter in an integrated circuit. Embodiments of the invention implement a 5-pole LC low-pass filter suitable for incorporation in wireless applications necessitating compact layouts. Inductors are formed in an IC as concentric coils on metallization layers, the concentric coils providing a negative coupling coefficient between the inductors. The invention provides programmable frequency response characteristics, enabling the transmission of high-frequency base band information while attenuating carrier RF frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Dominick Richiuso, William N. Buchele, Anguel Brankov, Rong Liu, John M. Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 7804673
    Abstract: Powerline networks are inherently noisy and subject to power surges, spikes, and other events. Devices exist to combat these issues and protect electrical appliances that are connected downstream from the power sources for theses devices, but these devices usually also severely limit data communication that may also be desired on this network. This invention provides an intelligent, self-aware powerline conditioning and communication node that allows for, or even improves, data communication on the network, and still provides for noise reduction, line filtering, and surge protection for downstream electrical appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Macaluso, Oleg Logvinov, Brion Ebert
  • Patent number: 7791855
    Abstract: The voltage surge protection device comprises at least one input designed to be connected to an electric power supply system, at least one output designed to be connected to an electric circuit to be protected, and voltage surge limiting means connected between the inputs and outputs to protect said electric circuit against voltage surges able to be applied on the inputs. The voltage surge limiting means comprise bidirectional series electronic limiting means comprising at least two inputs/outputs connected in series with at least one of said inputs, and which are turned on when a low voltage drop occurs when a circulating current is lower than a current limiting value, and limiting said circulating current by increasing a voltage drop between said inputs/outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Sebastien Carcouet, Philippe Baudesson, Didier Leonard
  • Patent number: 7782588
    Abstract: A series surge suppression structure mainly comprises: a circuit board, a ground line and a plurality of galvanization circuits being disposed thereon, a multilayer surge absorption unit being disposed in series on the ground line and the plurality of galvanization circuits; wherein each surge absorption unit is constituted by a pair of chokes with a layered surge absorption element connected in parallel between one end of either choke and the ground line; a power connection terminal, positioned on one side of the circuit board and electrically connected to a final end of the multilayer surge absorption unit; and a protection terminal, positioned on another side of the circuit board and electrically connected to a final end at another side of the multilayer surge absorption unit; whereby, the protection terminal can be used to connect with a communication circuit or an electric facility and the power connection terminal is used for connecting with an external wire so as to form a multilayer surge absorption p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Anmax Lightning Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Shun An Liao
  • Patent number: 7778003
    Abstract: An overvoltage protection module can be fitted to a telecommunications module having telecommunications contacts, to which telecommunications lines are connectable, and has at least two overvoltage protectors, at least one ground contact, and at least two pairs of protection module contacts for contacting the telecommunications contacts at contact points, so that at least two telecommunications lines are protectable, wherein the contact points are located on at least two different levels, and both contacts of each pair of protection module contacts are connected to the same overvoltage protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Guy Metral, Guy J. Barthes
  • Patent number: 7768764
    Abstract: Electrostatic discharge protection for guided wave microwave structures is provided by a protection device that imposes minimal disruption on the microwave structures and negligible interference with the normal operation of the structures. The protection device provides a discharge path between a signal conductor and a ground conductor when electrostatic charges on the signal conductor reach a predetermined voltage level. The protection device includes an insulating base that bridges a space between the signal conductor and the ground conductor and that supports a dispersion of metal particles adhered to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Marc H. Popek
  • Publication number: 20100182727
    Abstract: A surge protection module comprises a base, a plurality of first pins extending from the base to connect electrically to an upstream circuit, a plurality of second pins extending from the base to connect electrically to a downstream circuit, a fuse device acting between each first pin and a respective one of the second pins, at least one analog arrestor upstream of the fuse devices that is electrically connected across the first pins and in electrical connection to a ground terminal extending from the base, and a low capacitance solid state arrestor arrangement electrically connected to each second pin downstream of the fuse devices and to the ground terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: Circa Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Sonila Hebibasi, Garner Meszaros
  • Patent number: 7755873
    Abstract: A device for protection against voltage surges, comprising: a first spark gap (E1); a first pre-triggering system (2), electrically connected to the first spark gap (E1), so as to enable its being primed; a control device (4) electrically connected to the first pre-triggering system (2) so as to activate same. The invention is characterized in that it comprises at least a second spark gap (E2) mounted parallel to the first spark gap (E1), and electrically connected to a second pre-triggering system (3), such that the control device simultaneously activates the first and the second pre-triggering systems (2, 3), so as to trigger simultaneously the first and second spark gaps (E1, E2). The invention also concerns devices against voltage surges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: ABB France
    Inventors: Vincent André Lucien Crevenat, Boris Gautier
  • Patent number: 7751169
    Abstract: The present invention contemplates systems and methods for distributing RF and DC signals and detecting, logging and suppressing surge energy associated with surge events such as lightning and power line surges. The detection and logging is provided in order to determine possible causes of a failure and who might be responsible for the repair. The suppression is provided in order to protect electrical equipment such as split mount wireless radio systems from catastrophic failure due to surge events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Harris Stratex Networks Operating Corporation
    Inventors: Youming Qin, Frank S. Matsumoto, David C. M. Pham
  • Patent number: 7746618
    Abstract: A circuit for protecting electronic equipment intended to be connected to at least one first conductor of a communication line, including, between this first conductor and a second conductor of the line or the ground to which is connected the equipment to be protected, at least one first branch including, in series, a first capacitive element and a first voltage-threshold triggering element, a first resistive element being connected in parallel with the first capacitive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.A.
    Inventors: André Bremond, Cédric Appere
  • Patent number: 7742271
    Abstract: A HomePlug apparatus is electrically connected to a power network and includes a HomePlug processing circuit and a surge protecting circuit. The HomePlug processing circuit is electrically connected to the surge protecting circuit. The surge protecting circuit has at least one inductor, at least one capacitor and at least one arrester. The inductor is electrically connected to the power network. The arrester is electrically connected to a ground. The inductor, the capacitor and the arrester are connected in series to guide a surge originated from the power network to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Delta Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu-Cheng Chen, Yun-Teng Shih, Ming-Fa Wu, Han-Cheng Hsu
  • Publication number: 20100142106
    Abstract: A surge preventing circuit of a local area network (LAN) connector is suitable for being coupled to a plurality of transformers disposed in the local area network connector. The surge preventing circuit includes a conjugate coil module and a surge absorbing element. The conjugate coil module has at least one conjugate coil. The conjugate coil has a first input terminal, a second input terminal, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal. The first input terminal and the second input terminal of the conjugate coil are coupled to the center tapped terminal of the respective transformer, respectively. A first terminal of the surge absorbing element is connected to ground, and a second terminal is coupled to the first output terminals and the second output terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Wei-Chun Tsao, Yu-Hsiang Li
  • Publication number: 20100128406
    Abstract: The present invention provides a power supply (200) comprising a ground terminal (110, 320), means (102, 104, 240, 242) for receiving and transmitting a telecommunications signal from/to at least one telecommunications device and means (100) for protecting the telecommunications device from a surge by shunting the surge to the ground terminal (110, 320).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: NetBit Elecronics Limited
    Inventor: Myran M. Ausch
  • Publication number: 20100128407
    Abstract: A capacitor sharing surge protection circuit for protecting multiple ports from harmful energy surges, such as electrostatic discharge (ESD) and cable discharge events (CDE), is provided. The protection circuit includes a plurality of diodes with respective cathodes and anodes. Each anode of the plurality of diodes is coupled to one of the plurality of ports. A bypass capacitor is coupled between the cathodes of the plurality of diodes and ground. In an embodiment, a bulk capacitor is further coupled between the cathodes of the plurality of diodes and ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Louis MAGGIOLINO
  • Patent number: 7719807
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enabling internal circuitry associated with a device to be efficiently replaced in an operating environment for the device are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a device includes an enclosure that defines an interior of the device, and a circuit arrangement that is located in the interior. A data port interface is located in the interior, and the device also includes a receptacle and a protection circuitry arrangement. The receptacle is coupled to the circuit arrangement, and the protection circuitry arrangement provides protection to the circuit arrangement. The protection circuitry arrangement has an interface that is removably coupled to the receptacle such that at least a portion of the protection circuitry arrangement is contained in the interior of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic Michael Kozak, Kevin Franklin Casey, Mark Allen Rosen, Milton Palmer Hilliard
  • Patent number: 7715887
    Abstract: A sensor system includes N sensor system modules that each include respective sensor function modules for processing and communicating signals from at least one external detector. M slave modules selectively control power to the sensor function modules. M and N are integers greater than one. A master power control module serially controls the M slave modules via a bus based on functions of the sensor function modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Cloutier, Adam Kent, Joseph Presicci
  • Patent number: 7701688
    Abstract: A structure for installing a lightning arrester between the cross arm mounted to the upper end of an electric pole and a power line is disclosed. A dead end clamp, the lightning arrester and an insulation reinforcing insulator are connected in series, an end of the insulation reinforcing insulator is connected to the cross arm by a shackle, a disconnector is connected to the voltage outlet portion of the lightning arrester, a grounding wire for diverting abnormal voltage to the ground is connected to the disconnector, and an insulation cover surrounds the dead end clamp and the voltage inlet portion of the lightning arrester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Yoo Cheor Jeon
  • Patent number: 7701689
    Abstract: A protector block assembly interfaces a plurality of subscriber lines to communication equipment, such as digital subscriber line (DSL) modems. The assembly has a protector block into which surge protection modules are plugged. Each surge protection module limits the current that may pass from a respective subscriber line to communication equipment protected by the assembly. When plugged into the protector block, the surge protection modules are oriented such that crosstalk interference from the protector block is canceled thereby reducing the amount of crosstalk introduced by the protector block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Adtran, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Joffe, Grant J. Kruse, Jeremy L. Harris
  • Patent number: 7684167
    Abstract: A communication bus suitable for use in a hazardous area of a process plant includes a first transmission path adapted to communicate electrical signals in a first direction, and a second transmission path adapted to communicate electrical signals in a second direction. A safety device is coupled to each of the first and second transmission paths and includes a control unit adapted to detect a fault condition associated with the communication bus. The safety device further includes a switch unit adapted to interrupt the flow of electrical signals along each of the first and second transmission paths in response to the detected fault condition. In this manner, the detection circuitry of the communication bus automatically reduces or prevents the occurrence of sparks or arcing in the event of a fault condition associated with the communication bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent A. Burr, Gary K. Law, Tom Aneweer
  • Patent number: 7679877
    Abstract: A method and a device for operating a transmission line are provided. The device includes a line driver circuit and a protective circuit. The line driver circuit converts an input signal of the device into a current or a voltage for the transmission line while the protective circuit prevents an overvoltage and/or an overcurrent on the transmission line. The line driver circuit and the protective circuit are integrated in a common package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Thomas Linder, Bernhard Zojer
  • Patent number: 7679878
    Abstract: A capacitor sharing surge protection circuit for protecting multiple ports from harmful energy surges, such as electrostatic discharge (ESD) and cable discharge events (CDE), is provided. The protection circuit includes a plurality of diodes with respective cathodes and anodes. Each anode of the plurality of diodes is coupled to one of the plurality of ports. A bypass capacitor is coupled between the cathodes of the plurality of diodes and ground. In an embodiment, a bulk capacitor is further coupled between the cathodes of the plurality of diodes and ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Louis Maggiolino
  • Publication number: 20100053836
    Abstract: An architecture for protecting circuitry used for signal communications between a frequency translation module (20) and a decoder (60) from transient voltage surges. According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first signal path between a transmission line and a first reference potential, comprising a high impedance negative surge path; and a second signal path between the transmission line and the first reference potential, comprising a high impedance positive surge path, a low inductance surge path and a DC blocker circuit, wherein said high impedance positive surge path is configured in series with said low inductance surge path and said DC blocker circuit, wherein each of said low inductance surge path and said DC blocker circuit are coupled between said high impedance positive surge path and said source of reference potential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Lincheng Xiu, John James Fitzpatrick
  • Patent number: 7660096
    Abstract: In a composite electrical circuit protection device, thermal coupling between a planar PPTC element and a planar MOV element is controlled by insertion of a thermal mass material for regulating heat transfer from the MOV element to the PPTC element, such that a PPTC resistor hot zone forms consistently away from the planar major foil electrode confronting the MOV thereby regulating heat transfer from the MOV to the PPTC resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Boris Golubovic, Paul N. Becker, Robert P. Moore
  • Patent number: 7653004
    Abstract: A technique for improving the capability of measuring the distance between nodes of a wireless communication network is provided. Technique (800) includes receiving a measured signal, correlating the measured signal with a reference signal to output a measured correlated function, comparing the correlation function to a predetermined reference correlation function, the reference correlation function being based on a predetermined direct path sequence and an estimation of the phase delay of the measured correlated function. A score is assigned to the measured correlation function based on how close the measured correlation function resembles the predetermined reference correlation function. Technique (800) provides improved location accuracy, even in multipath environments, by indicating the quality of the TOA measurement and enabling the selection of a correction mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Guenael J. Strutt
  • Patent number: 7649726
    Abstract: A protection circuit for protecting a device from destructive electrical conditions, such as ESD, over-voltage, and over-current, while keeping the output impedance of the device's I/O lines to a minimum, and self-regulating power dissipation. The device may comprise a first protection circuit and a second protection circuit coupled to each of one or more I/O lines for providing a primary and a secondary level of protection, respectively, for the I/O lines. The first protection circuit of the device may combine the use of Schottky diodes for voltage clamping, with a current limiting device for self-regulating the power dissipation. The current limiting device may be operable to function as a small, low impedance resistor in a normal operating range and as a controlled power dissipater outside the normal operating range. The device may be a data acquisition device comprised in a data acquisition system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Rafael Castro
  • Patent number: 7633259
    Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for operating an electrical machine includes providing a brushless excitation system including at least one rectifier having at least one diode. The method also includes providing at least one voltage amplitude limiter assembly including at least one resistor and at least one transient voltage suppressor (TVS) electrically coupled with the at least one resistor to form at least one voltage suppression unit. The method further includes transmitting an electrical signal having a current and a voltage to each voltage suppression unit, the voltage having an amplitude. The method also includes electrically coupling the at least one voltage amplitude limiter assembly to the at least one diode. The method further includes transmitting the electrical signal through the rectifier and the voltage suppression unit such that voltage amplitude excursions of the electrical signal are facilitated to be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: William E. Fish
  • Patent number: 7630187
    Abstract: A high-voltage pulse protection device includes an input connector, a separating capacitor and an output connector. A video receiving terminal of the input connector receives a video signal from a RF cable. An input terminal of the separating capacitor is electrically connected to a video transferring terminal of the input connector to receive the video signal. An output terminal of the separating capacitor induces and outputs a sub-signal response to the video signal. A video receiving terminal of the output connector receives the sub-signal, and a video transferring terminal of the output connector transfers the sub-signal to a video processing module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Avermedia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yung-Da Lin, Kuo-Ying Su, Chih-Feng Cheng, Chien-Chung Chiang
  • Publication number: 20090296301
    Abstract: A protection circuit employing a pair of SCR devices connected respectfully from telephone line tip conductor and ring conductors to ground. The SCR devices are of the type providing internal semiconductor resistors between the gate and cathode terminals for sensing overcurrents in the telephone line conductors, and providing voltage sensitive semiconductor regions so that the SCR devices are sensitive to overvoltages on the telephone line conductors. A pair of diodes are connected across the cathode-anode terminals of the SCR devices to provide overvoltage protection for positive polarity overvoltages on the telephone line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Kelly C. Casey
  • Publication number: 20090296300
    Abstract: A protection circuit employing a pair of SCR devices cross coupled between a telephone line tip conductor and ring conductor. The SCR devices are of the type providing internal semiconductor resistors between the gate and cathode terminals for sensing overcurrents in the telephone line conductors, and providing voltage sensitive semiconductor regions so that the SCR devices are sensitive to overvoltages on the telephone line conductors. When employed with a telephone line termination transformer, the internal resistor of one SCR device provides the series resistance, together with the transformer winding resistance, for reliably allowing the other SCR device to be triggered into conduction and remain in a latched condition in response to an overcurrent condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Kelly C. Casey
  • Publication number: 20090296302
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to surge protection systems that protect outside plant equipment from high-energy surges. In one exemplary embodiment, a protection system is used for protecting Ethernet equipment that is coupled to an outside Ethernet cable. The protection system provides protection and remains capable of coupling signal energy between an Ethernet cable and Ethernet equipment without significantly degrading Ethernet performance. However, the protection system, while allowing the desirable Ethernet signals to pass between the cable and the equipment, prevents the electrical voltages and currents of high-energy surges, such as surges from lightning or AC power faults, from damaging the Ethernet equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: James B. Wiese, Daniel M. Joffe
  • Patent number: 7623332
    Abstract: A fine arrestor having a body with a bore there through, an inner conductor within the bore, an inner conductor capacitor within the bore coupled between a surge portion of the inner conductor and a protected portion of the inner conductor, and an inner conductor inductor within the bore coupled electrically in parallel with the inner conductor capacitor. A first shorting portion coupled between the surge portion of the inner conductor and the body and a second shorting portion coupled between the protected portion of the inner conductor and the body, for conducting a surge to ground. Also, other coaxial in-line assemblies may be formed incorporating the inner conductor cavity for isolation of enclosed electrical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Commscope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventors: Harwath A Frank, Tom King, Joon Lee
  • Publication number: 20090284887
    Abstract: A device for protecting a radio frequency transmission line from transient voltages includes an inner conductor for transmitting communication signals of a desired frequency band and a grounded, coaxial outer conductor electrically insulated from the inner conductor by a pair of annular insulators. As one feature of the invention, a tap conductor for discharging transient voltages carried by the inner conductor that fall outside the desired frequency band is coupled at one end to the inner conductor through a press-fit connection. As another feature of the invention, a pair of high-quality contacts are mounted onto opposite ends of the outer conductor and serve, together with the inner conductor, as the only electrical contact surfaces for the protective device that transmit the desired communication signals. As another feature of the invention, each insulator has a constant outer diameter along the entirety of its length and a variable inner diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: George M. Kauffman
  • Patent number: 7616424
    Abstract: A transient voltage suppression (TVSS) device is disclosed. The device comprises a surge module connected to a base module that connects the surge module to an electrical buss. The base module has a disconnect switch that allows the surge module to be isolated from the buss when the switch is off and connected to the buss when the switch is on. In this manner, maintenance or replacement of the surge module can be performed safely without removing power from the buss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Hansen, Matthew S. Wakeham
  • Patent number: 7609502
    Abstract: A protective device for transmitting electromagnetic signals of a desired frequency band from a source to a load comprises an outer conductor, an inner conductor extending coaxially within the outer conductor and a quarter wavelength shunt conductor. A radio frequency impedance control (RFIC) tube is used to maintain the proper transmission line impedance for the device. The shunt conductor is connected, at one end, to the inner conductor and extends along a multi-curved path through an opening in the RFIC tube and wraps around the RFIC tube in at least one plane. The other end of the stub is connected to the outer conductor either directly or indirectly by means of distributed capacitance through a dielectric insulator. A plurality of gas discharge tubes are coupled to the shunt conductor to shunt undesired voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: George M. Kauffman
  • Patent number: 7602596
    Abstract: In general, various methods, apparatuses, and systems for a surge protection circuit for a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) are disclosed. The surge protection circuit includes a first voltage protection device coupled to a first wire of the PSTN. A voltage protection device conducts when voltage applied across the voltage protection device at least meets a set voltage threshold. The surge protection circuit includes a second voltage protection device coupled to a second wire of the PSTN. The second voltage protection device is coupled to the first voltage protection device in series. The surge protection circuit includes a voltage divider device to cause a voltage applied differentially across the first wire and second wire to divide evenly across the first voltage protection device and the second voltage protection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: 2Wire, Inc.
    Inventors: James T. Schley-May, Richard Barry Angell, Steve Maher
  • Publication number: 20090251840
    Abstract: A surge suppressor for protecting electronic equipment by suppressing damaging surges of low frequency signals in a radio frequency (RF) transmission line, while allowing RF signals of a desired frequency range to pass through the transmission line. The surge suppressor can comprise a housing, a center pin connected to a stub, and at least one interface pin conductively coupled to the cable and capacitively coupled to the center pin. The surge suppressor can have a signal pass through bandwidth approximately 10 times exceeding the bandwidth of traditional quarter wavelength stub (QWS) devices, a higher return loss, and higher surge attenuation level. The surge suppressor can be symmetrically insertable into a cable providing an RF communication line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Erdogan Alkan, Ahmet Burak Olcen
  • Publication number: 20090244800
    Abstract: Improved over-voltage protection apparatus and associated methods useful in e.g., telecommunications applications. In one embodiment, the over voltage protection apparatus comprises a gas discharge tube, common mode inductor, coupled inductor, secondary over-voltage protection device, filter circuitry, coupled inductor and common mode inductor. In one embodiment the over voltage protection apparatus comprises a gas discharge tube, common mode inductor, coupled inductor, secondary over-voltage protection device and filter circuitry. The arrangement of said inductive components being optimally connected in such a manner as to provide a high impedance circuit for all surge events to the gas discharge tube, so as to protect the filtering circuitry. Methods for the manufacture of the filter protection apparatus so as to be maximally independent of component tolerances are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Timothy Craig Wedley
  • Patent number: 7593206
    Abstract: A lightening conductor (10) for lightning protection of structures (37), particularly of mobile structures (37), comprises a conduit (18) connected to a mast (12) and provided for dissipation of a lightning current. The mast (12) is telescopable so that the height of the lightening conductor (10) can be individually adapted to local conditions and is transported conveniently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Setolite Lichttechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Schulte
  • Publication number: 20090225488
    Abstract: A passive optical network transceiver including a surge protection circuit so as to protect the electro-optical circuitry from lightning or other electrical surges. The surge protection circuit includes a ground line and at least one capacitor provided in a first line. In particular, the capacitance value of the capacitor is such as to limit the surge current in the first line, and the breakdown voltage of the capacitor is such as to limit the surge voltage between the first line and the ground line. In one embodiment, the surge protection circuit includes a second line connecting the first line to the ground line and at least one inductor provided in the second line. The surge protection circuit may include one capacitor with small value and high voltage rating, and multiple capacitors with larger value and lower voltage rating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: Emcore Corporation
    Inventors: Xiaoming Lou, Genzao Zhang, Henok Tafese, Eric Hufstedler
  • Patent number: 7583488
    Abstract: The invention relates to an overvoltage protection magazine for a telecommunications device, comprising a housing, a printed circuit board, two or more surge arresters and at least one ground contact, the surge arresters being arranged on the printed circuit board and being passed via conductor tracks to contact pads arranged on the printed circuit board which, when plugged in, come into electrical contact with contacts of the telecommunications device, the surge arresters being arranged in a row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Heiko Neumetzler, Johann Oltmanns, Harald Klein
  • Patent number: 7583489
    Abstract: A shorting stub for connection between an inner conductor and an outer conductor of a coaxial cable. The shorting stub of a tungsten or tungsten alloy, having a connecting portion between an inner conductor connection and an outer conductor connection. The shorting stub may be cost effectively formed using metal injection molding techniques. The connecting portion may be formed by a plurality of loop segments in a range of different configurations. If needed, one or more supports may be applied to support the shorting stub during the metal injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Andrew LLC
    Inventor: Kendrick Van Swearingen
  • Patent number: 7576965
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a small surge absorption element that exhibits superior impedance matching even for high-speed signals and a surge absorption circuit. The surge absorption element comprises first and second inductor sections and first and second surge absorption sections. The first inductor section comprises first and second coils and the second inductor section comprises third and fourth coils. By suitably setting the coupling coefficients between the respective coils and the induction coefficients of the first to fourth coils, image impedance with an even frequency characteristic can be implemented over a wide area. Further, because the first to fourth coils have a positive magnetically coupled state with respect to one another, the induction coefficients of the first to fourth coils can be reduced in comparison with a case where the first to fourth coils are not afforded a positive magnetically coupled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Terada, Dai Matsuoka, Naoki Chida
  • Patent number: 7573691
    Abstract: Protection is provided against electrical surges resulting from Electrical Over Stress conditions, e.g., when interfacing circuits with powered connections. An EOS shunt is activated for as long as the EOS condition exists. EOS protection using an EOS shunt in accordance with the principles of the present invention remains activated by a voltage threshold trigger as long as necessary. In a disclosed embodiment, an EOS shunt includes a voltage threshold detector that detects a voltage on a power bus with respect to a ground rail exceeding a predetermined amount, e.g., 5 volts in a device powered at 3.3 volts. During the EOS event, a path between power and ground comprising a transistor is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Sandeep Pant, Gary H. Weiss, David W. Thompson, Yehuda Smooha