Separable electrical connector component for sending and receiving communication signals through underground power distribution lines
First Claim
1. An electrical connector component comprising:
- an internal conductor;
an insulative housing surrounding said conductor; and
a signal filtering device having a medium-voltage end in electrical contact with said internal conductor and an opposite low-voltage terminal, said signal filtering device being adapted to substantially block passage of power signals yet substantially permit passage of communication signals having a frequency in the range of about 1,000 Hz to about 1 MHz between said medium-voltage end and said low-voltage terminal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electrical connector component for sending and receiving communication signals through a power distribution line generally includes an internal conductor, an insulative housing surrounding the conductor and a signal filtering device having a medium-voltage end in electrical contact with the internal conductor and an opposite low-voltage terminal. The signal filtering device is adapted to substantially block passage of power signals yet substantially permit passage of communication signals between the medium-voltage end and the low-voltage terminal. In a method for sending and receiving communication signals through a power distribution line, an access point on a power distribution line is provided without de-energizing the power distribution line, passage of power signals through the access point is blocked and passage of communication signals through the access point are permitted.
33 Citations
27 Claims
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1. An electrical connector component comprising:
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an internal conductor;
an insulative housing surrounding said conductor; and
a signal filtering device having a medium-voltage end in electrical contact with said internal conductor and an opposite low-voltage terminal, said signal filtering device being adapted to substantially block passage of power signals yet substantially permit passage of communication signals having a frequency in the range of about 1,000 Hz to about 1 MHz between said medium-voltage end and said low-voltage terminal. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 23, 24)
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2. (canceled)
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3. (canceled)
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12. A method for sending and receiving communication signals through a power distribution line comprising the steps of:
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providing an access point on a power distribution line without de-energizing said power distribution line;
generating a communication signal having a frequency in the range of about 1,000 Hz to about 1 MHz and inputting said signal into the power distribution line through said access point;
filtering power signals from passing through said access point; and
detecting the communication signals permitted to pass through said access point. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26)
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22. A separable electrical connector for use in a voltage distribution system comprising:
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an insulative housing having a first end adapted for connection to the distribution system and a second end opposite said first end adapted for inputting/receiving communication signals;
a conductor embedded in said housing, said conductor having a first end adapted to be electrically connected to a power line of the distribution system, and a second end terminating within said second end of said housing, said termination of said second end of said conductor creating a dead-end for the power line of the distribution system; and
a capacitive element embedded in said housing and having a first end in electrical communication with said second end of said conductor and a second end adapted for inputting/receiving the communication signals from said second end of said housing without de-energizing the cable. - View Dependent Claims (27)
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Specification