Wireless telephone connection surge suppressor

• US 6,055,435 A
• Filed: 10/16/1997
• Issued: 04/25/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 10/16/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Hanger Solutions, LLC (IP Investments Group LLC)
• Original Assignee: Phonex Broadband Corp.
• Inventors: Smith, Gordon E., Bullock, Scott R., Knab, John M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Chin, Wellington
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ferguson, Keith
• Application Number:
  US08/951,907
• Time in Patent Office: 922 Days
• Field of Search: 455/462, 455/74.1, 455/14, 455/465, 455/402, 455/550, 455/575, 455/90, 364/492, 340/310.01, 340/310.08, 340/310.06, 340/310.03, 375/36, 375/37, 370/493, 370/494, 370/495, 370/487, 370/490, 370/489
• US Class Current: 455/462
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5441 Wireless systems or telephone
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/54 Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/745 Protection devices or circuits for voltages surges on the line

Abstract

A wireless power line carrier voice and data communication device is provided. The device permits a user to connect one or more electronic devices to surge suppress and isolated AC power connections while simultaneously providing a communication channel between telephone equipment, such as telephone extensions, modems and/or facsimile machines, across the AC power lines to a remote telephone connection. This invention prevents the degradation of the voice and/or data signal across the power lines that would otherwise be induced by the AC connected electronic equipment. Furthermore, this invention provides a cost effective, convenient solution to the data processing user who requires access to telephone lines, for voice, data or both, as well as AC power outlets for electronic equipment all from a physical location some distance from a convenient phone connector. The isolation and surge suppression circuitry is designed specifically to address the power line carrier environment.

Claims

1. A wireless communications apparatus for connecting a conventional extension telephone or modem to a conventional telephone line using available AC power lines, the apparatus comprising:

(A) a base unit connected to an AC power line for the transmission and receipt of voice and data signals over said AC power line;

(B) an extension unit connected to an AC power line for the transmission and receipt of voice and data signals to and from said base unit over said AC power line;

(C) an isolator, electrically connected to said extension unit to provide signal isolation for voice and data signals being transmitted over said AC power line;

(D) a surge suppressor, electrically connected to said isolator to suppress the electrical surges for the benefit of equipment which may be connected onto the AC power line; and

(E) a surge protected AC outlet electrically connected to said surge suppressor, provided to give an AC power connection to any equipment which may be require connection onto the AC power line.

2. A wireless communications apparatus for connecting a conventional extension telephone or modem to a conventional telephone line using available AC power lines, as recited in claim 1, said base unit further comprising:

(i) a first transmitter transmitting signals to the AC power lines;

(ii) a first receiver receiving signals from the AC power lines; and

(iii) a first controller controlling the receipt and transmission of signals across the AC power lines, wherein said controller communicates electronically with said transmitter and said receiver.

3. A wireless communications apparatus for connecting a conventional extension telephone or modem to a conventional telephone line using available AC power lines, as recited in claim 1, said extension unit further comprising:

(i) a transmitter transmitting signals to the AC power lines;

(ii) a receiver receiving signals from the AC power lines; and

(iii) a controller controlling the receipt and transmission of signals across the AC power lines, wherein said second controller communicates electrically with said second transmitter and said second receiver.

4. A wireless communications apparatus for connecting a conventional extension telephone or modem to a conventional telephone line using available AC power lines, as recited in claim 1, said isolator further comprising a means for filtering and isolating a signal between a plurality of AC power connections.

5. A wireless communications apparatus for connecting a conventional extension telephone or modem to a conventional telephone line using available AC power lines, as recited in claim 1, said surge suppressor further comprising a means for providing power line signal suppression to protect equipment which may be connect to the power line from voltage or current surges.