Use of powerlines for transmission of high frequency signals
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for enhancing worker safety, comprising:
- equipping a worker with a radio beacon device, the radio beacon device adapted for wirelessly communicating a beacon signal identifying the radio beacon device or the worker;
receiving the beacon signal at a powerline wherein the powerline functions as a receiving antenna for the beacon signal;
coupling the powerline to an input of a first radio receiver using a first coupler to communicate the beacon signal to the first radio receiver; and
determining location of the radio beacon device at least partially based on the beacon signal.
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Abstract
Communication is provided which includes receiving a transmitted radio signal at a powerline wherein the powerline functions as a receiving antenna for the wirelessly transmitted radio signal. The powerline is coupled to an input of a radio receiver using a coupler to communicate the radio signal to the radio receiver. For calibration purposes a second antenna not coupled to powerline may be used. A method for powerline communication across transformers, open circuit breakers, and other devices is also provided. In addition, a method of monitoring a device connected to a powerline is provided.
10 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method for enhancing worker safety, comprising:
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equipping a worker with a radio beacon device, the radio beacon device adapted for wirelessly communicating a beacon signal identifying the radio beacon device or the worker; receiving the beacon signal at a powerline wherein the powerline functions as a receiving antenna for the beacon signal; coupling the powerline to an input of a first radio receiver using a first coupler to communicate the beacon signal to the first radio receiver; and determining location of the radio beacon device at least partially based on the beacon signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for enhancing worker safety within a mine, comprising:
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equipping a worker within the mine with a radio beacon device, the radio beacon device adapted for wirelessly communicating a beacon signal identifying the radio beacon device or the worker; receiving the beacon signal at a distribution cable for power within the mine wherein the distribution cable functions as a receiving antenna for the beacon signal; coupling the distribution cable to an input of a first radio receiver using a first coupler to communicate the beacon signal to the first radio receiver; and determining location of the radio beacon device within the mine at least partially based on the beacon signal.
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Specification