US5977851A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Wireless signal distribution in a building HVAC system
Assignee: Carnegie Mellon University
•
Filing: 1997-11-13
•
Granted: 1999-11-02
•
Expires: 2017-11-13
Abstract
Abstract The present invention is directed to a system for using the ductwork of a building for transmitting electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a device for introducing electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation. The system also includes a device for enabling the electromagnetic radiation to propagate beyond the ductwork. The present invention is also directed to a method for transmitting electromagnetic radiation using the ductwork of a building and a method for designing a system for transmitting electromagnetic radiation in the ductwork of a building.
Inventors
- 👤 Daniel D. Stancil
- 👤 Christopher P. Diehl
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 23:22
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01P; H01P3/00; H01P3/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 71
Claim 1
Independent Claim
59 words
A system for using the ductwork of a building for transmitting electromagnetic radiation, comprising: a device for introducing electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation; a device for enabling the electromagnetic radiation to propagate beyond the ductwork; and a passive re-radiator positioned to re-radiate electromagnetic radiation around an obstacle.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
59 words
A system for using the ductwork of a building for transmitting electromagnetic radiation, comprising: a device for introducing electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation; a device for enabling the electromagnetic radiation to propagate beyond the ductwork; and a passive re-radiator positioned to re-radiate electromagnetic radiation around an obstacle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said device for introducing includes a coaxial to waveguide probe.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said device for introducing includes an antenna.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said device for enabling includes a coupler probe.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said device for enabling includes an electrically transparent louver.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising an electrically opaque reflector located at a point in the ductwork where the ductwork changes direction, said reflector for reflecting the electromagnetic radiation in a direction following the direction of the ductwork.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 6 wherein said reflector is a metal sheet.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 6 wherein said reflector is a wire grid.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising a wire screen ground plane located in the ductwork adjacent to said device for introducing.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising an electrically translucent damper located in the ductwork, said damper for deflecting air flow in the ductwork.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising an absorber located in the ductwork, said absorber for minimizing multiple reflections of said electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said device for enabling includes a louver having at least one re-radiating structure.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising an amplifier positioned to re-radiate the electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 13 wherein said amplifier includes a booster amplifier.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 13 wherein said amplifier includes a directional receiving coupler, a directional transmitting coupler, and an electrically opaque screen interposed between said couplers.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
59 words
A system for using the ductwork of a building for transmitting electromagnetic radiation, comprising: a device for introducing electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation; a device for enabling the electromagnetic radiation to propagate beyond the ductwork; and an active re-radiator positioned to re-radiate electromagnetic radiation around an obstacle.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
59 words
A system for using the ductwork of a building for transmitting electromagnetic radiation, comprising: a device for introducing electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation; a device for enabling the electromagnetic radiation to propagate beyond the ductwork; and an active re-radiator positioned to re-radiate electromagnetic radiation around an obstacle.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 16 wherein said device for introducing includes a coaxial to waveguide probe.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 16 wherein said device for introducing includes an antenna.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 16 wherein said device for enabling includes a coupler probe.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 16 wherein said device for enabling includes an electrically transparent louver.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 16 further comprising an electrically opaque reflector located at a point in the ductwork where the ductwork changes direction, said reflector for reflecting the electromagnetic radiation in a direction following the direction of the ductwork.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 21 wherein said reflector is a metal sheet.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 21 wherein said reflector is a wire grid.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 16 further comprising a wire screen ground plane located in the ductwork adjacent to said device for introducing.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 16 further comprising an electrically translucent damper located in the ductwork, said damper for deflecting air flow in the ductwork.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 16 further comprising an absorber located in the ductwork, said absorber for minimizing multiple reflections of said electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 16 wherein said device for enabling includes a louver having at least one re-radiating structure.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 16 further comprising an amplifier positioned to re-radiate the electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 28 wherein said amplifier includes a booster amplifier.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 29 wherein said amplifier includes a directional receiving coupler, a directional transmitting coupler, and an electrically opaque screen interposed between said couplers.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
63 words
A system for using the ductwork of a building for transmitting electromagnetic radiation, comprising: a device for introducing electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation; a device for enabling the electromagnetic radiation to propagate beyond the ductwork; and a wire screen ground plane located in the ductwork adjacent to said device for introducing.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
63 words
A system for using the ductwork of a building for transmitting electromagnetic radiation, comprising: a device for introducing electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation; a device for enabling the electromagnetic radiation to propagate beyond the ductwork; and a wire screen ground plane located in the ductwork adjacent to said device for introducing.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 31 wherein said device for introducing includes a coaxial to waveguide probe.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 31 wherein said device for introducing includes an antenna.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 31 wherein said device for enabling includes a coupler probe.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 31 wherein said device for enabling includes an electrically transparent louver.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 31 further comprising an electrically opaque reflector located at a point in the ductwork where the ductwork changes direction, said reflector for reflecting the electromagnetic radiation in a direction following the direction of the ductwork.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 31 further comprising an electrically translucent damper located in the ductwork, said damper for deflecting air flow in the ductwork.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 31 further comprising an absorber located in the ductwork, said absorber for minimizing multiple reflections of said electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 31 wherein said device for enabling includes a louver having at least one re-radiating structure.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 31 further comprising an amplifier positioned to re-radiate the electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
64 words
A system for using the ductwork of a building for transmitting electromagnetic radiation, comprising: a device for introducing electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation; a device for enabling the electromagnetic radiation to propagate beyond the ductwork; and an absorber located in the ductwork, said absorber for minimizing multiple reflections of the electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
64 words
A system for using the ductwork of a building for transmitting electromagnetic radiation, comprising: a device for introducing electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation; a device for enabling the electromagnetic radiation to propagate beyond the ductwork; and an absorber located in the ductwork, said absorber for minimizing multiple reflections of the electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 41 further comprising an electrically opaque reflector located at a point in the ductwork where the ductwork changes direction, said reflector for reflecting the electromagnetic radiation in a direction following the direction of the ductwork.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 41 further comprising an electrically translucent damper located in the ductwork, said damper for deflecting air flow in the ductwork.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 41 wherein said device for enabling includes a louver having at least one re-radiating structure.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 41 further comprising an amplifier positioned to re-radiate the electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
56 words
A system for using the ductwork of a building for transmitting electromagnetic radiation, comprising: a device for introducing electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation; a device for enabling the electromagnetic radiation to propagate beyond the ductwork; and an amplifier positioned to re-radiate the electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
56 words
A system for using the ductwork of a building for transmitting electromagnetic radiation, comprising: a device for introducing electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation; a device for enabling the electromagnetic radiation to propagate beyond the ductwork; and an amplifier positioned to re-radiate the electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 46 wherein said amplifier includes a booster amplifier.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 46 wherein said amplifier includes a directional receiving coupler, a directional transmitting coupler, and an electrically opaque screen interposed between said couplers.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 46 further comprising an electrically opaque reflector located at a point in the ductwork where the ductwork changes direction, said reflector for reflecting the electromagnetic radiation in a direction following the direction of the ductwork.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 46 wherein said device for enabling includes a louver having at least one re-radiating structure.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
52 words
A method for transmitting electromagnetic radiation using the ductwork of a building, comprising the steps of: introducing the electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation; enabling the electromagnetic radiation to exit the ductwork; and passively re-radiating the electromagnetic radiation around an obstacle.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
52 words
A method for transmitting electromagnetic radiation using the ductwork of a building, comprising the steps of: introducing the electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation; enabling the electromagnetic radiation to exit the ductwork; and passively re-radiating the electromagnetic radiation around an obstacle.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 51 further comprising the step of reflecting the electromagnetic radiation in a direction following a change in direction of the ductwork.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 51 further comprising the step of grounding portions of the ductwork to impede the transmission of the electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 51 further comprising the step of matching the impedance of the ductwork to the impedance of an electromagnetic radiation transmitter used for said introducing step.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 51 further comprising the steps of: receiving the electromagnetic radiation in the ductwork; amplifying said received electromagnetic radiation; and re-transmitting said amplified electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
49 words
A method for transmitting electromagnetic radiation using the ductwork of a building, comprising: introducing the electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation; enabling the electromagnetic radiation to exit the ductwork; and actively re-radiating the electromagnetic radiation around an obstacle.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
49 words
A method for transmitting electromagnetic radiation using the ductwork of a building, comprising: introducing the electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation; enabling the electromagnetic radiation to exit the ductwork; and actively re-radiating the electromagnetic radiation around an obstacle.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 56 further comprising reflecting the electromagnetic radiation in a direction following a change in direction of the ductwork.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 56, further comprising grounding portions of the ductwork to impede the transmission of the electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 56, further comprising matching the impedance of the ductwork to the impedance of an electromagnetic radiation transmitter used for said introducing.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 56, further comprising: receiving the electromagnetic radiation in the ductwork; amplifying said received electromagnetic radiation; and re-transmitting said amplified electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
54 words
A method for transmitting electromagnetic radiation using the ductwork of a building, comprising: introducing the electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation; enabling the electromagnetic radiation to exit the ductwork; and grounding portions of the ductwork to impede the transmission of the electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
54 words
A method for transmitting electromagnetic radiation using the ductwork of a building, comprising: introducing the electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation; enabling the electromagnetic radiation to exit the ductwork; and grounding portions of the ductwork to impede the transmission of the electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
58 words
A method for transmitting electromagnetic radiation using the ductwork of a building, comprising: introducing the electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation; enabling the electromagnetic radiation to exit the ductwork; receiving the electromagnetic radiation in the ductwork; amplifying said received electromagnetic radiation; and re-transmitting said amplified electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
58 words
A method for transmitting electromagnetic radiation using the ductwork of a building, comprising: introducing the electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation; enabling the electromagnetic radiation to exit the ductwork; receiving the electromagnetic radiation in the ductwork; amplifying said received electromagnetic radiation; and re-transmitting said amplified electromagnetic radiation.
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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) | 2002-11-01 | 2003-05-03 | 2003-11-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-11-01 | 2007-05-03 | 2007-11-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-11-01 | 2011-05-03 | 2011-11-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |