OUTLET ADD-ON MODULE
First Claim
1. A device for coupling a data unit to existing AC power wiring that is at least in part in walls of a building and that is terminated at an AC power outlet, said device comprising:
- an AC power plug for connecting to the AC power wiring via the AC power outlet;
a data port for coupling a digital data signal to the data unit;
a transceiver coupled between said AC power plug and said data port for bi-directional digital data communication with the data unit; and
a single enclosure housing said AC power plug, said data port and said transceiver,wherein said single enclosure is mechanically attachable to the AC power outlet using means other than said AC power plug.
13 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and an apparatus for upgrading an existing service outlet (e.g. LAN, telephone, power or CATV outlet) in a house by adding functionality thereto. The functionality is added by an add-on module, connected electrically and secured mechanically to the existing outlet. Several attachment devices are exampled, including surface attachment, side clamping, snap locking, strap securing and fastening screws. The add-on module may include a service connector for retaining the basic existing outlet function. The module may be attached in a permanent way or by using a detachable solution.
120 Citations
56 Claims
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1. A device for coupling a data unit to existing AC power wiring that is at least in part in walls of a building and that is terminated at an AC power outlet, said device comprising:
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an AC power plug for connecting to the AC power wiring via the AC power outlet; a data port for coupling a digital data signal to the data unit; a transceiver coupled between said AC power plug and said data port for bi-directional digital data communication with the data unit; and a single enclosure housing said AC power plug, said data port and said transceiver, wherein said single enclosure is mechanically attachable to the AC power outlet using means other than said AC power plug. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
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37. A device for coupling a handheld unit to existing AC power wiring that is at least in part in walls of a building and is terminated at an AC power outlet, said device comprising:
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an AC power plug for connecting to the AC power wiring via the AC power outlet; a cradle comprising a mechanical adapter for docking the handheld unit thereto; a connector for connecting to a mating connector in the handheld unit when the handheld unit is mounted in said cradle; a transceiver coupled to said connector for bi-directional communication with the handheld unit; an AC/DC converter coupled between said AC power plug and said connector for DC powering and charging the handheld unit by an AC power signal carried by the AC power wiring when the handheld unit is mounted in said cradle; and a single enclosure housing said AC power plug, said cradle, said connector and said transceiver. - View Dependent Claims (38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56)
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Specification