Power and Data Port Interface for Electronic Devices Operating in Extreme Environments

• US 20160302318A1
• Filed: 04/08/2016
• Published: 10/13/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 04/09/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: All Clear Fire Systems, LLC
• Original Assignee: James A. Mabry Jr.
• Inventors: Kleitsch, Danny J., Smith, Thomas P., Mabry, James A. Jr.
• Granted Patent: US 9,981,151 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A62C 31/24 attached to ladders, poles, towers, or other structures with or without rotary heads

Abstract

This invention is embodied in a power/data interface for connecting two modules at the leading edge (i.e., the “tip of the spear”) of a fire suppression operation. The power/data interface serves as an operational link between a housing device (for protecting a battery and other electronic equipment) and an accessory like a thermal imaging camera (“tic” camera), video camera or other sensory perceiving device. The power/data interface not only provides power to an accessory by connecting it to a power source, but the power/data interface can exchange data between the accessory and the housing device. Such exchange of data enables electronics stored within the housing device to record and protect data captured by accessory on a flash drive or other recordable media. In addition to providing power and exchanging data with an accessory, the power/data interface can also accept battery pack that can be used to recharge a battery or other power source located inside the housing device.

Claims

1. A electronic port interface system for use at the leading edge of a fire suppression operation, the electronic port interface system comprising:

an exterior surface of a housing enclosing a power source;

at least three first magnetic connectors located on the exterior surface, a perimeter formed by an outermost part of each of the magnetic connectors;

a continuous rib surrounding the perimeter, the continuous rib projecting outwardly from the exterior surface; and

a first electronic port on the exterior surface located within the perimeter, the electronic port for mating with an electronic accessory.

2. The electronic port interface system of claim 1, the electronic accessory comprising,

a second exterior surface;

at least three second magnetic connectors located on the second exterior surface, the magnetic connectors configured on the second exterior surface to mate with the first magnetic connectors;

a continuous channel surrounding the second magnets, the continuous channel configured to mate with the continuous rib; and

a second electronic port on the second exterior surface, the second electronic port configured to mate with the first electronic port.