Current U.S. Class: 200/297, 220/3.2, 455/402, 455/3.01
None
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Power line based communication and control networks including but not limited to the existing HomePlug, X.10, and broadband access ponits have been entering the main stream market at a relatively slow rate. The technology adaptation cycle of these devices is slow due to stiff opposition from competing wireless technologies and limitations in the physical packaging of power line communication devices. Current indoor power line communication devices include units that require replacement of existing electrical outlets or simple devices that plug directly into the existing receptacle. The former provides a reliable connection at the expense of installation that requires professional assistance for most customers, which is the main limiting factor that inhibits widespread adoption of the technology. The latter is easy to install, however, this convenience is afforded at the expense of connection reliability. This drawback causes problems ranging from poor signal coupling to no signal coupling at all; particularly if the unit is accidentally removed from the wall or gradually pulled from the power receptacle because of cable tension. Competing wireless solutions are able to function reliably during power outages because the units can operate when they are plugged into a conventional uninterruptible power supply. By contrast, power line communication systems cannot pass signals through uninterruptible power supplies. Consequently it is expensive to maintain communications during power outages because some alternative form of power, other than low-cost conventional uninterruptible power supplies, must be provided to each unit in the building.
Prior art discloses three expired power line based voice and/or data communication system patents including U.S. Pat. No 3,949,172, U.S. Pat. No. 4,636,771, and U.S. Pat. No.: 4,473,817. The latter describes single phase power line signal coupling that enables any power line to be used as a communication link for any multi-media signal.
Recent prior art discloses different types of power outlet boxes including U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,636,914, 6,147,304, 6,281,439, and 6,441,304; face plate assemblies including U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,924,349 and 6,838,997; wall outlet box extensions including U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,723,921, 5,402,902 and 6,765,149; and mounting assemblies including U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,717,050 and 6,730,845. Prior art that discloses a tamper proof, securely fastened, life-line supported indoor power line communication apparatus that overcomes the above noted limiting technology adaptation factors does not exist.
A novel securely fastened and tamper proof life-line supported indoor power line communication apparatus that overcomes the primary factors that limit adoption of the power line communication and control is disclosed. The power outlet faceplate is removed before the device is directly inserted into the power receptacle either by one or multiple plugs. It is securely fastened to any existing threaded hole or through hole in the power outlet box or power receptacle by using any threaded screws, barbed anchor, plastic anchor, other conventional mounting mechanisms, or any combination thereof. Tamper security is further enhanced by optional mechanisms that require a key to release the faceplate device or by a complete plastic assembly that is securely enclosed by a tamper proof faceplate screw, chemical adhesion, or any other mechanical means including pressure and heat. Life-line support is provided by a rechargeable backup battery or charge cell that is accessible through a lid that is located on the cover of the apparatus.
An expanded illustration of the embodied invention is shown in
The embodied invention can be affixed to the outlet box 3 in the above described manner, by using snap-on mechanisms of the type shown at 28 and 41, barbed anchors of the type shown at 30, 42, 43, 49 and 52, spring loaded elbow clamps of the type shown at 47, or any other mechanical means including pressure, heat, or chemical adhesion or any combination thereof. Likewise, the internal components shown at 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 18 in
The list of components that are displayed in the drawings include a signal and low voltage transformer 9, transformer wires 10, supporting electronics 11, RJ-11 12 and RJ-45 13 communication jacks, power receptacle extensions at 14 and 15, an upper face plate snap-on clip 16, lower face plate snap-on clip 17, life line battery backup assembly 18, miscellaneous electronic hardware and printed circuit boards 27, upper receptacle screw 20, upper receptacle screw assembly 21, face plate screw 22, face plate screw assembly 23, lower receptacle screw assembly 24, lower receptacle screw 25, and a cut-out view of an unspecified building wall material to illustrate placement of the outlet box. These components are shown by example to illustrate the general concept of the embodied invention and are not intended to limit the components that can be housed by this invention. The RJ-11 and RJ-45 jacks are at 12 and 13 are presented in
The drawings in this disclosure are not intended to restrict the spirit of this invention, which encompasses any device that is intended to reduce the burden and cost of the task of coupling voice communications from a unit that houses voice communication support systems to existing telephone systems by wireless, plug-in, or other wired connection. A prominent feature that is encompassed by the spirit of this invention is that the apparatus does not require removal of any existing electrical device in the wall-box.
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3949172 | Brown et al. | Apr 1976 | A |
4473817 | Perkins | Sep 1984 | A |
4636771 | Ochs | Jan 1987 | A |
4636914 | Belli | Jan 1987 | A |
4750094 | Krasik | Jun 1988 | A |
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5402902 | Bouley | Apr 1995 | A |
5574256 | Cottone | Nov 1996 | A |
6147304 | Doherty | Nov 2000 | A |
6150609 | Baldwin | Nov 2000 | A |
6172301 | Goodsell | Jan 2001 | B1 |
6207899 | Gillespie | Mar 2001 | B1 |
6281439 | Reiker | Aug 2001 | B1 |
6441304 | Currier et al. | Aug 2002 | B1 |
6717050 | Laflamme et al. | Apr 2004 | B1 |
6723921 | Vagedes | Apr 2004 | B1 |
6730845 | Criniti et al. | May 2004 | B1 |
6765149 | Ku | Jul 2004 | B1 |
6797883 | Benson et al. | Sep 2004 | B1 |
6806425 | O'Neill | Oct 2004 | B1 |
6838997 | Davidson | Jan 2005 | B1 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20050200284 A1 | Sep 2005 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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60551518 | Mar 2004 | US |