Coaxial cable/fiber optic bus network

Claim 2

A network for distributing digital information comprising: a coaxial line for bussing a main signal; at least one tap means for sampling said main signal; and transducing means for transforming said sampled main signal into a light signal output.

Claim 3

A network as set forth in Claim 1, further comprising optical splitting means for changing said light signal output into a multiple output for distribution to multiple peripheral machines.

Claim 4

A network as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said tap means having a relatively high impedance on said coaxial line during an off-time to reduce line loading.

Claim 5

A network as set forth in Claim 1, said tap further comprising: optical transducing means for changing light signal inputs from said multiple peripheral machines into an electrical input signal; driver means for driving said coaxial line in response to said electrical input signal; and switching means for connecting and disconnecting said driver means from said coaxial line.

Claim 6

A network as set forth in Claim 1, said coaxial line further bussing power at relatively low frequencies, said network comprising filter means for coupling in said tap means at signal frequencies, and conversion means responsive to said power frequencies for supplying operating power to said tap means.

Claim 7

A network system for distributing digital information comprising: a coaxial line for bussing a main data signal at relatively high frequencies and bussing power at relatively low frequencies; at least one tap means for electrically interfacing with said coaxial line, comprising: a. receiving means for sampling said main signal, said receiving means including transducing means for transforming said sampled main signal into a light signal for output, and optical splitting means for changing said light signal output into a multiple output for distribution to multiple peripheral machines; b. driving means including optical transducing means for changing light signal inputs from said multiple peripheral machines into an electrical input signals, and means for driving said coaxial line in response to said electrical input signals, and switching means for connecting and disconnecting said driving means from said coaxial line; and c. conversion means responsive to said power frequencies for supplying operating power to said receiving and driver means.

Claim 8

A network system for distributing digital information comprising: a coaxial line for bussing a main data signal at relatively high frequencies and bussing power at relatively low frequencies; at least one tap means for electrically interfacing with said coaxial line, comprising: a. receiving means for sampling said main signal, said receiving means including transducing means for transforming said sampled main signal into a light signal for output, and optical splitting means for changing said light signal output into a multiple output for distribution to multiple peripheral machines; b. driving means including optical transducing means for changing light signal inputs from said multiple peripheral machines into an electrical input signals, and means for driving said coaxial line in response to said electrical input signals, and switching means for connecting and disconnecting said driving means from said coaxial line; and c. conversion means responsive to said power frequencies for supplying operating power to said receiving and driver means.

Claim 9

A network system as set forth in Claim 5, said tap means further comprising filter means for coupling in said driver and receiving means at said signal frequencies.