US5359293A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Electrical cable arcing fault detection by monitoring power spectrum in distribution line
Assignee: Intellectual Ventures II LLC
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Filing: 1993-06-03
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Granted: 1994-10-25
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Expires: 2013-06-03
Abstract
Abstract A system for detecting arcing faults in DC electrical cable power distribution circuits, typically in telecommunications networks, monitors the power spectrum of distribution lines over a frequency band of about 4 Hz to 5 KHz in which current surges characteristic of arcing line faults have been found to occur. The system compares power levels in this detection band with a threshold level typical of normal communications traffic and registers an alarm condition when an excess indicative of arcing is detected.
Inventors
- 👤 Jeffrey Boksiner
- 👤 Edward J. Silverman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 22:39
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02H; H02H1/00; H02H1/0007; H02H1/0015; G; G01; G01R; G01R31/00; G01R31/50; G01R31/58; H02H3/00; H02H3/08; H02H3/087
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
A method of detecting an arcing fault in a DC electrical power distribution line which comprises monitoring the power spectrum over a predetermined frequency bandwidth for current flowing in said line characterized in that a) a voltage signal is created varying as a function of said current flow; b) the varying intensity of said voltage signal over said frequency bandwidth is determined; and c) said voltage signal intensity is compared with a preselected threshold voltage to determine the existence of an excessive voltage level indicative of an arcing fault.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
89 words
A method of detecting an arcing fault in a DC electrical power distribution line which comprises monitoring the power spectrum over a predetermined frequency bandwidth for current flowing in said line characterized in that a) a voltage signal is created varying as a function of said current flow; b) the varying intensity of said voltage signal over said frequency bandwidth is determined; and c) said voltage signal intensity is compared with a preselected threshold voltage to determine the existence of an excessive voltage level indicative of an arcing fault.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 1 characterized in that the existence of an excessive voltage level provides a signal triggering a responsive device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 2 characterized in that said responsive device is an alarm or a protective device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 1 characterized in that said voltage signal is created by means of a resistor in said distribution line.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 1 characterized in that said frequency bandwidth is between about 4 Hz and 5 KHz.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
96 words
A system for detecting an arcing fault in an electrical power distribution line which comprises means for monitoring the power spectrum over a predetermined frequency bandwidth for current flowing in said line characterized in that said system comprises: a) means for creating a voltage signal varying as a function of said current flow; b) means for determining the varying intensity of said voltage signal over said frequency bandwidth; and c) means for comparing said voltage signal intensity with a preselected threshold voltage to determine the existence of an excessive voltage level indicative of an arcing fault.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
96 words
A system for detecting an arcing fault in an electrical power distribution line which comprises means for monitoring the power spectrum over a predetermined frequency bandwidth for current flowing in said line characterized in that said system comprises: a) means for creating a voltage signal varying as a function of said current flow; b) means for determining the varying intensity of said voltage signal over said frequency bandwidth; and c) means for comparing said voltage signal intensity with a preselected threshold voltage to determine the existence of an excessive voltage level indicative of an arcing fault.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system according to claim 6 characterized in that said means for creating said voltage signal comprises a resistor in said distribution line.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system according to claim 6 characterized in that said means for determining said voltage signal intensity integrates the power of said signal over said frequency bandwidth.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system according to claim 8 which further comprises filter means for determining said frequency bandwidth.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system according to claim 9 wherein said filter means limits said frequency bandwidth to a range of between about 4 Hz and 5 KHz.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
38 words
A system according to claim 6 characterized in that a) said comparing means provides a triggering signal upon determining the indication of an arcing fault; and b) said system further comprises a device responsive to said triggering signal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system according to claim 11 characterized in that said responsive device is an alarm or a protective device.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-10-24 | 1998-04-25 | 1998-10-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-10-24 | 2002-04-25 | 2002-10-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-10-24 | 2006-04-25 | 2006-10-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |