Failed filter arrest indicator and method for use in multiple arrester location
First Claim
1. A method for locating a failed surge arrester in a buried underground conveyance having a conductive component running along its length and a conveyance locating current flowing through the conductive component, comprising the step of:
- sensing an RF signal from an oscillator activated by the conveyance locating current flowing through the failed surge arrester.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for locating a failed surge arrester in a buried underground conveyance having a conductive component running along its length and a conveyance locating current flowing through the conductive component, comprising the step of:
sensing an RF signal from an oscillator activated by the conveyance locating current flowing through the failed surge arrester. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method for identifying a location of a failed surge arrester in a buried underground conveyance having a conductive part running along its length, comprising the step of:
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applying a conveyance locating current to the conductive part;
sensing the conveyance locating current flowing through the failed surge arrester; and
in response to the sensing of the conveyance locating current flowing through the failed surge arrester, transmitting an RF signal that is receivable above ground. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An apparatus for identifying a location of a failed surge arrester in a buried underground conveyance having a conductive part running along its length with a conveyance locating current flowing through the conductive part, and having a surge arrester with a filter for conducting current surges to ground while insulating the conveyance locating current from ground, and the apparatus comprising:
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a conveyance locating current sensor between the filter and ground; and
an RF transmitter connected to the conveyance locating current sensor, whereby the sensor activates the transmitter. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification