US5684450A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electricity distribution and/or power transmission network and filter for telecommunication over power lines
Assignee: Amperion Inc
•
Filing: 1993-10-20
•
Granted: 1997-11-04
•
Expires: 2013-10-20
Abstract
Abstract A power transmission network which includes an input for the input of telecommunication signals having carrier frequencies greater than 1 MHz onto the network, and removing similar speech and/or data signals from the network. Preferably a network conditioning element is used which includes a low pass filter portion for filtering out a low frequency high amplitude mains power signal, and a coupling element for input and/or removal of telecommunication signals from the network. In this way both speech and data signals can be transmitted at carrier frequencies of greater than 1 MHz along a standard electricity distribution and/or transmission network which when conditioned provides a larger available spectrum per unit length of network and greater transmission capacity than previously known. The quiescent noise level of the conditioned network is also much reduced thus permitting lower signal injection levels for a given signal-to-noise ratio and a consequential reduction in spurious radiation from the network.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul Anthony Brown
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 23:54
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04B; H04B3/00; H04B3/54; H02; H02J; H02J13/00; H02J13/13; H02J13/1311; H02J13/1313; H04B3/56; H04B2203/00; H04B2203/54; H04B2203/5462; H04B2203/5466; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E60/00; Y04; Y04S; Y04S40/00; Y04S40/12; Y04S40/121
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 61
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
A polyphase electricity distribution and/or power transmission network comprising: a plurality of phase conductors; input means for input of a telecommunication signal having a carrier frequency greater than approximately 1 MHz onto at least one of the phase conductors of the network; and output means for removing the telecommunication signal from at least one other phase conductor of the network; the network further including communications apparatus, the communications apparatus including a low pass filter portion for allowing, in use, a low frequency high amplitude mains electricity power signal to pass along the network to a building and for preventing electrical noise from the building entering the portion of the network external to the building, and a coupling element for input and/or removal of the telecommunication signal from the network.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
A polyphase electricity distribution and/or power transmission network comprising: a plurality of phase conductors; input means for input of a telecommunication signal having a carrier frequency greater than approximately 1 MHz onto at least one of the phase conductors of the network; and output means for removing the telecommunication signal from at least one other phase conductor of the network; the network further including communications apparatus, the communications apparatus including a low pass filter portion for allowing, in use, a low frequency high amplitude mains electricity power signal to pass along the network to a building and for preventing electrical noise from the building entering the portion of the network external to the building, and a coupling element for input and/or removal of the telecommunication signal from the network.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The network as claimed in claim 1, wherein said telecommunication signal is transmissible over the network in a plurality of directions simultaneously.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The network as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier frequency is within the range of 1 MHz to 60 MHz.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The network as claimed in claim 1, wherein the telecommunication signal propagates between at least one of the phase conductors of the network and ground.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
A network according to claim 1 wherein the network connects a plurality of separate buildings and said telecommunication signal is transmissible between said buildings.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A network according to claim 4 wherein the input means is for the input of the telecommunication signal onto only one of the phase conductors.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
73 words
A network according to claim 1 wherein said low pass filter comprises a main inductor arranged between a mains electricity input and a mains electricity output and connected at the mains electricity input end to a first capacitor and at the mains electricity output end to a second capacitor, said first capacitor connecting the mains electricity input to a signal input/output line, and said second capacitor connecting the mains electricity output to ground.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
A network according to claim 1 wherein the communications apparatus is connected at an interface between the network and an internal electricity network of the building.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
112 words
A trunk and branch multipoint electricity distribution and/or power transmission network including input means for input onto the network of a telecommunication signal having a carrier frequency greater than approximately 1 MHz and output means for removing the telecommunication signal from the network; the network further including communications apparatus, the communications apparatus including a low pass filter portion for allowing, in use, a low frequency high amplitude mains electricity power signal to pass along the network to a building and for preventing electrical noise from the building entering the portion of the network external to the building, and a coupling element for input and/or removal of the telecommunication signal from the network.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
112 words
A trunk and branch multipoint electricity distribution and/or power transmission network including input means for input onto the network of a telecommunication signal having a carrier frequency greater than approximately 1 MHz and output means for removing the telecommunication signal from the network; the network further including communications apparatus, the communications apparatus including a low pass filter portion for allowing, in use, a low frequency high amplitude mains electricity power signal to pass along the network to a building and for preventing electrical noise from the building entering the portion of the network external to the building, and a coupling element for input and/or removal of the telecommunication signal from the network.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The network as claimed in claim 9, wherein said telecommunication signal is transmissible over the network in a plurality of directions simultaneously.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The network as claimed in claim 9, wherein the carrier frequency is within the range of 1 MHz to 60 MHz.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The network as claimed in claim 9, wherein the telecommunication signal propagates between a phase conductor of the network and ground.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
A network according to claim 9 wherein the network connects a plurality of separate buildings and said telecommunication signal is transmissible between said buildings.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
45 words
A network according to claim 9 including three phase conductors wherein said input means is for the input of said telecommunication signal onto one of the phase conductors and said output means is for removing said telecommunication signal from at least one other phase conductor.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
A network according to claim 14 wherein the input means is for the input of the telecommunication signal onto only one of the phase conductors.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
73 words
A network according to claim 9 wherein said low pass filter comprises a main inductor arranged between a mains electricity input and a mains electricity output and connected at the mains electricity input end to a first capacitor and at the mains electricity output end to a second capacitor, said first capacitor connecting the mains electricity input to a signal input/output line, and said second capacitor connecting the mains electricity output to ground.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
26 words
A network according to claim 9 wherein the communications apparatus is connected at an interface between the network and an internal electricity network of the building.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
132 words
An electricity distribution and/or power transmission network at least part of which is external to a building, the network including input means for input onto the network of a telecommunication signal having a carrier frequency greater than approximately 1 MHz and output means for removing the telecommunication signal from the network, the telecommunication signal being transmissible along the external part of the network; the network further including communications apparatus, the communications apparatus including a low pass filter portion for allowing, in use, a low frequency high amplitude mains electricity power signal to pass along the network to a building and for preventing electrical noise from the building entering the portion of the network external to the building, and a coupling element for input and/or removal of the telecommunication signal from the network.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
132 words
An electricity distribution and/or power transmission network at least part of which is external to a building, the network including input means for input onto the network of a telecommunication signal having a carrier frequency greater than approximately 1 MHz and output means for removing the telecommunication signal from the network, the telecommunication signal being transmissible along the external part of the network; the network further including communications apparatus, the communications apparatus including a low pass filter portion for allowing, in use, a low frequency high amplitude mains electricity power signal to pass along the network to a building and for preventing electrical noise from the building entering the portion of the network external to the building, and a coupling element for input and/or removal of the telecommunication signal from the network.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
The network as claimed in claim 18, wherein telecommunication signals are transmissible over the network in a plurality of directions simultaneously.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
The network as claimed in claim 18, wherein the carrier frequency is within the range of 1 MHz to 60 MHz.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
21 words
The network as claimed in claim 18, wherein the telecommunication signal propagates between a phase conductor of the network and ground.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
23 words
A network according to claim 18 wherein the network connects a plurality of separate buildings and said signal is transmissible between said buildings.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
45 words
A network according to claim 18 including three phase conductors wherein said input means is for the input of said telecommunications signal onto one of the phase conductors and said output means is for removing said telecommunication signal from at least one other phase conductor.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
A network according to claim 23 wherein the input means is for the input of the signal onto only one of the phase conductors.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
73 words
A network according to claim 18 wherein said low pass filter comprises a main inductor arranged between a mains electricity input and a mains electricity output and connected at the mains electricity input end to a first capacitor and at the mains electricity output end to a second capacitor, said first capacitor connecting the mains electricity input to a signal input/output line, and said second capacitor connecting the mains electricity output to ground.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
26 words
A network according to claim 18 wherein the communications apparatus is connected at an interface between the network and an internal electricity network of the building.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
133 words
Communications apparatus for use with an electricity distribution and/or power transmission network, including a low pass filter portion for allowing, in use, a low frequency high amplitude mains electricity power signal to pass from the network to a consumer's premises and for preventing electrical noise from the premises entering the network, and a coupling element for input and/or removal of a telecommunication signal from the network, wherein said low pass filter comprises a main inductor arranged between a mains electricity input and a mains electricity output and connected at a mains electricity input end to a first capacitor and at a mains electricity output end to a second capacitor, said first capacitor connecting the mains electricity input to a signal input/output line, and said second capacitor connecting the mains electricity output to ground.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
133 words
Communications apparatus for use with an electricity distribution and/or power transmission network, including a low pass filter portion for allowing, in use, a low frequency high amplitude mains electricity power signal to pass from the network to a consumer's premises and for preventing electrical noise from the premises entering the network, and a coupling element for input and/or removal of a telecommunication signal from the network, wherein said low pass filter comprises a main inductor arranged between a mains electricity input and a mains electricity output and connected at a mains electricity input end to a first capacitor and at a mains electricity output end to a second capacitor, said first capacitor connecting the mains electricity input to a signal input/output line, and said second capacitor connecting the mains electricity output to ground.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
42 words
The communications apparatus as claimed in claim 27 wherein the first capacitor acts as a coupling capacitor for coupling the telecommunication signal between the signal input/output line and the mains electricity input and for attenuating low frequency components of the telecommunication signal.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
57 words
The communications apparatus as claimed in claim 27, further comprising a shielding box enclosing said low pass filter, and wherein said main inductor includes a conductor wrapped separately around each of two generally parallel-spaced elongated ferrite rods, and wherein said low pass filter includes a third capacitor connected between ground and an intermediate point of said conductor.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
22 words
The communications apparatus as claimed in claim 27, wherein the communications apparatus is connected to an electricity distribution and/or power transmission network.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
34 words
The communications apparatus as claimed in claim 30, wherein the communications apparatus is connected at an interface between the electricity distribution and/or power transmission network and an internal electricity network of a user's premises.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
121 words
A method of signal transmission including: transmission of a telecommunication signal having a carrier frequency of greater than approximately 1 MHz onto at least one phase conductor of a polyphase electricity distribution and/or power transmission network; and subsequent reception of the telecommunication signal from at least one other phase conductor of the network; wherein the telecommunication signal is input onto and received from the network using communications apparatus, the communications apparatus including a low pass filter portion allowing a low frequency high amplitude mains electricity power signal to pass from the network to a consumer's premises and preventing electrical noise from the premises entering the network, and a coupling element for input and/or removal of the telecommunication signal from the network.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
121 words
A method of signal transmission including: transmission of a telecommunication signal having a carrier frequency of greater than approximately 1 MHz onto at least one phase conductor of a polyphase electricity distribution and/or power transmission network; and subsequent reception of the telecommunication signal from at least one other phase conductor of the network; wherein the telecommunication signal is input onto and received from the network using communications apparatus, the communications apparatus including a low pass filter portion allowing a low frequency high amplitude mains electricity power signal to pass from the network to a consumer's premises and preventing electrical noise from the premises entering the network, and a coupling element for input and/or removal of the telecommunication signal from the network.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the telecommunication signal is injected onto only one of the phases of the network.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein telecommunication signals are transmitted over the network in a plurality of directions simultaneously.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein telecommunication signals is modulated using a spread spectrum technique.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein said low pass filter portion isolates variable impedance low frequency loads from the telecommunication signal present on the network.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the communications apparatus directs the telecommunication signal into the network away from the consumer's premises.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
126 words
A method of signal transmission including input of a telecommunication signal having a carrier frequency of greater than approximately 1 MHz onto an electricity distribution and/or power transmission network at least part of which is external to a building and subsequent reception of the telecommunication signal, the telecommunication signal being transmitted along the external part of the network; wherein the telecommunication signal is input onto and received from the network using communications apparatus, the communications apparatus including a low pass filter portion allowing a low frequency high amplitude mains electricity power signal to pass from the network to a consumer's premises and preventing electrical noise from the premises entering the network, and a coupling element for input and/or removal of the telecommunication signal from the network.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
126 words
A method of signal transmission including input of a telecommunication signal having a carrier frequency of greater than approximately 1 MHz onto an electricity distribution and/or power transmission network at least part of which is external to a building and subsequent reception of the telecommunication signal, the telecommunication signal being transmitted along the external part of the network; wherein the telecommunication signal is input onto and received from the network using communications apparatus, the communications apparatus including a low pass filter portion allowing a low frequency high amplitude mains electricity power signal to pass from the network to a consumer's premises and preventing electrical noise from the premises entering the network, and a coupling element for input and/or removal of the telecommunication signal from the network.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as claimed in claim 38, wherein the network is a polyphase network, and the telecommunication signal is injected onto only one phase of the network.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as claimed in claim 38, wherein telecommunication signals are transmitted over the network in a plurality of directions simultaneously.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as claimed in claim 38, wherein the telecommunication signal is modulated using a spread spectrum technique.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as claimed in claim 38, wherein said low pass filter portion isolates variable impedance low frequency loads from the telecommunication signal present on the network.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as claimed in claim 38, wherein the communications apparatus directs the telecommunication signal into the network away from the consumer's premises.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
192 words
A trunk and branch multipoint electricity distribution and/or power transmission network at least part of which is external to a building, the network including: input means for the input onto a phase conductor of the network of a telecommunications signal having a carrier frequency greater than approximately 1 MHz, output means for removing said telecommunications signal from the network, said signal being transmissible along said external part of the network, three phase conductors wherein said input means is for the input of said telecommunications signal onto one of the phase conductors and said output means is for removing said telecommunications signal from at least one other phase conductor, and communications apparatus, the communications apparatus including a low pass filter portion for allowing, in use, a low frequency high amplitude mains electricity power signal to pass along the network to the building and for preventing electrical noise from the building entering the portion of the network external to the building, and a coupling element for input and/or removal of a telecommunication signal from the network, wherein the network connects a plurality of separate buildings and said telecommunication signal is transmissible between said buildings.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
192 words
A trunk and branch multipoint electricity distribution and/or power transmission network at least part of which is external to a building, the network including: input means for the input onto a phase conductor of the network of a telecommunications signal having a carrier frequency greater than approximately 1 MHz, output means for removing said telecommunications signal from the network, said signal being transmissible along said external part of the network, three phase conductors wherein said input means is for the input of said telecommunications signal onto one of the phase conductors and said output means is for removing said telecommunications signal from at least one other phase conductor, and communications apparatus, the communications apparatus including a low pass filter portion for allowing, in use, a low frequency high amplitude mains electricity power signal to pass along the network to the building and for preventing electrical noise from the building entering the portion of the network external to the building, and a coupling element for input and/or removal of a telecommunication signal from the network, wherein the network connects a plurality of separate buildings and said telecommunication signal is transmissible between said buildings.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
201 words
A trunk and branch multipoint electricity distribution and/or power transmission network at least part of which is external to a building, the network including: input means for input onto a phase conductor of the network of a telecommunications signal having a carrier frequency greater than approximately 1 MHz, output means for removing said telecommunications signal from the network, said signal being transmissible along said external part of the network, communications apparatus, the communications apparatus including a low pass filter portion for allowing, in use, a low frequency high amplitude mains electricity power signal to pass along the network to the building and for preventing electrical noise from the building entering the portion of the network external to the building, and a coupling element for input and/or removal of a telecommunication signal from the network, wherein said low pass filter comprises a main inductor arranged between a mains electricity input and a mains electricity output and connected at the mains electricity input end to a first capacitor and at the mains electricity output end to a second capacitor, said first capacitor connecting the mains electricity input to a signal input/output line, and said second capacitor connecting the mains electricity output to ground.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
201 words
A trunk and branch multipoint electricity distribution and/or power transmission network at least part of which is external to a building, the network including: input means for input onto a phase conductor of the network of a telecommunications signal having a carrier frequency greater than approximately 1 MHz, output means for removing said telecommunications signal from the network, said signal being transmissible along said external part of the network, communications apparatus, the communications apparatus including a low pass filter portion for allowing, in use, a low frequency high amplitude mains electricity power signal to pass along the network to the building and for preventing electrical noise from the building entering the portion of the network external to the building, and a coupling element for input and/or removal of a telecommunication signal from the network, wherein said low pass filter comprises a main inductor arranged between a mains electricity input and a mains electricity output and connected at the mains electricity input end to a first capacitor and at the mains electricity output end to a second capacitor, said first capacitor connecting the mains electricity input to a signal input/output line, and said second capacitor connecting the mains electricity output to ground.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
49 words
A network according to claim 45 wherein the first capacitor acts as a coupling capacitor so as, in use, to allow high frequency communications signals to pass through it from the signal input/output line without substantial attenuation and to attenuate the low frequency high amplitude mains electricity power signal.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
A network according to claim 45 wherein the communications apparatus is connected at an interface between the network and an internal electricity network of the building.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
184 words
A method of signal transmission including input of a telecommunications signal having a carrier frequency of greater than approximately 1 MHz onto a phase conductor of a trunk and branch multipoint electricity power distribution and/or transmission network at least part of which is external to a building and subsequent reception of the telecommunications signal, said telecommunications signal being transmitted along said external part of the network, wherein the network includes a plurality of separate buildings and said telecommunications signal is transmitted between said buildings, and wherein the network includes three phase conductors and the telecommunications signal is input onto only one phase conductor and is subsequently received from at least one other phase conductor, and wherein said telecommunications signal is input onto and received from the network using communications apparatus, the apparatus including a low pass filter portion for allowing a low frequency high amplitude mains electricity power signal to pass from the network to a consumer's premises and for preventing electrical noise from the premises entering the network, and a coupling element for input and/or removal of the telecommunications signal from the network.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
184 words
A method of signal transmission including input of a telecommunications signal having a carrier frequency of greater than approximately 1 MHz onto a phase conductor of a trunk and branch multipoint electricity power distribution and/or transmission network at least part of which is external to a building and subsequent reception of the telecommunications signal, said telecommunications signal being transmitted along said external part of the network, wherein the network includes a plurality of separate buildings and said telecommunications signal is transmitted between said buildings, and wherein the network includes three phase conductors and the telecommunications signal is input onto only one phase conductor and is subsequently received from at least one other phase conductor, and wherein said telecommunications signal is input onto and received from the network using communications apparatus, the apparatus including a low pass filter portion for allowing a low frequency high amplitude mains electricity power signal to pass from the network to a consumer's premises and for preventing electrical noise from the premises entering the network, and a coupling element for input and/or removal of the telecommunications signal from the network.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
202 words
A method of signal transmission including input of a telecommunications signal having a carrier frequency of greater than approximately 1 MHz onto a phase conductor of a trunk and branch multipoint electricity power distribution and/or transmission network at least part of which is external to a building and subsequent reception of the telecommunications signal, said telecommunications signal being transmitted along said external part of the network, wherein said telecommunications signal is input onto and received from the network using communications apparatus, the apparatus including a low pass filter portion for allowing a low frequency high amplitude mains electricity power signal to pass from the network to a consumer's premises and for preventing electrical noise from the premises entering the network, and a coupling element for input and/or removal of the telecommunications signal from the network, wherein said low pass filter comprises a main inductor arranged between a mains electricity input and a mains electricity output and connected at the mains electricity input end to a first capacitor and at the mains electricity output end to a second capacitor, said first capacitor connecting the mains electricity input to a signal input/output line, and said second capacitor connecting the mains electricity output to ground.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
202 words
A method of signal transmission including input of a telecommunications signal having a carrier frequency of greater than approximately 1 MHz onto a phase conductor of a trunk and branch multipoint electricity power distribution and/or transmission network at least part of which is external to a building and subsequent reception of the telecommunications signal, said telecommunications signal being transmitted along said external part of the network, wherein said telecommunications signal is input onto and received from the network using communications apparatus, the apparatus including a low pass filter portion for allowing a low frequency high amplitude mains electricity power signal to pass from the network to a consumer's premises and for preventing electrical noise from the premises entering the network, and a coupling element for input and/or removal of the telecommunications signal from the network, wherein said low pass filter comprises a main inductor arranged between a mains electricity input and a mains electricity output and connected at the mains electricity input end to a first capacitor and at the mains electricity output end to a second capacitor, said first capacitor connecting the mains electricity input to a signal input/output line, and said second capacitor connecting the mains electricity output to ground.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 49 wherein the first capacitor acts as a coupling capacitor so as, in use, to allow high frequency communications signals to pass through it from the signal input/output line without substantial attenuation and to attenuate the low frequency high amplitude mains electricity power signal.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 49 wherein the communications apparatus is connected at an interface between the network and an internal electricity network of the building.
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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) | 2000-11-03 | 2001-05-05 | 2001-11-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-11-03 | 2005-05-05 | 2005-11-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-11-03 | 2009-05-05 | 2009-11-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |