US3881160A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Catv multi-tap distribution box
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-05-20
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Granted: 1975-04-29
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Expires: 1994-05-20
Abstract
Abstract A Multi-Tap distribution box for a community antenna television system, the box being interposed in a primary line-carrying radio and video signals from a master station to subscribers who are linked to the primary line by secondary lines coupled to the taps on the box. The box consists of an open housing having input and output ports interconnected through a normally-closed switch whereby signals pass through said housing. Removably secured to the housing is a tap plate having a distribution network mounted on its inner face, the network being connected to a group of taps projecting from the outer face, means being provided to connect the network to the input and output ports. The plate further includes means to engage and break open the switch whereby the distribution network is rendered operative to supply the signals to the taps.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph I Ross
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 10:32
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N7/00; H04N7/10; H04N7/102; H04N7/104; H03; H03H; H03H7/00; H03H7/48; H03H7/482
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
262 words
A multi-tap distribution box for a community antenna system, said box being interposed in a primary line carrying highfrequency signals and power currents to subscribers who are linked to the primary line by secondary lines coupled to taps on the box, said box comprising: A. an open housing having an input port and an output port for interposing the box in the primary line. B. a switch disposed in said open housing, said switch having a fixed element connected to one of said ports and a movable element connected to the other of said ports, C. a removable tap plate secured to said housing to seal same, said plate having external taps and being provided with a circuit board on which is mounted a pair of connectors adapted to engage the elements of said switch, means deflecting said movable element to break open said switch, a blocking inductor connected between said connectors to provide a passage between said ports for said power currents while impeding the flow of said high-frequency signals therebetween, a by-pass network shunted across said inductor to provide a passage for said high-frequency signals, and a distribution network connected to said by-pass network to supply a portion of said signals to said taps whereby when said tap plate is removed from said housing, said switch closes to convey both said signals and said power currents between said ports and when said tap plate is secured to said housing, said switch opens and said signals are conducted by said by-pass network and said power currents are conducted by said inductor.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
262 words
A multi-tap distribution box for a community antenna system, said box being interposed in a primary line carrying highfrequency signals and power currents to subscribers who are linked to the primary line by secondary lines coupled to taps on the box, said box comprising: A. an open housing having an input port and an output port for interposing the box in the primary line. B. a switch disposed in said open housing, said switch having a fixed element connected to one of said ports and a movable element connected to the other of said ports, C. a removable tap plate secured to said housing to seal same, said plate having external taps and being provided with a circuit board on which is mounted a pair of connectors adapted to engage the elements of said switch, means deflecting said movable element to break open said switch, a blocking inductor connected between said connectors to provide a passage between said ports for said power currents while impeding the flow of said high-frequency signals therebetween, a by-pass network shunted across said inductor to provide a passage for said high-frequency signals, and a distribution network connected to said by-pass network to supply a portion of said signals to said taps whereby when said tap plate is removed from said housing, said switch closes to convey both said signals and said power currents between said ports and when said tap plate is secured to said housing, said switch opens and said signals are conducted by said by-pass network and said power currents are conducted by said inductor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A box as set forth in claim 1, wherein said housing includes an open well which contains said switch, said circuit board being received within said well.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A box as set forth in claim 1, wherein said distribution network is coupled to said by-pass network by a directional coupler.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
A box as set forth in claim 1, wherein said primary line is a coaxial cable and said ports have an axial inlet and a lateral inlet whereby said cable may be axially coupled to said port or at right angles thereto.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A box as set forth in claim 4, wherein each port is provided with a seizing element having said inlets and anchoring said switch elements.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
A box as set forth in claim 5, wherein said fixed element of the switch is a rigid pin and said movable element is a flexible pin.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
A box as set forth in claim 6, wherein said means to deflect said movable element is a pusher member mounted on said circuit board.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
135 words
A multi-tap distribution box for a community antenna system, said box being interposable in a primary line carrying high-frequency signals and power currents to subscribers who are linked to the primary line by secondary lines coupled to taps on the box, said box comprising: A. a housing having an input port and an output port for interposing said box in the primary line and a normally-closed switch disposed in said housing to interconnect said ports, and B. a tap plate removably secured to said housing, said tap plate having a group of external taps, means engaging said switch to break open same, a distribution network coupled between said ports when said plate is secured to said housing to supply said signals to said taps, said network being rendered operative only when said switch is open.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
135 words
A multi-tap distribution box for a community antenna system, said box being interposable in a primary line carrying high-frequency signals and power currents to subscribers who are linked to the primary line by secondary lines coupled to taps on the box, said box comprising: A. a housing having an input port and an output port for interposing said box in the primary line and a normally-closed switch disposed in said housing to interconnect said ports, and B. a tap plate removably secured to said housing, said tap plate having a group of external taps, means engaging said switch to break open same, a distribution network coupled between said ports when said plate is secured to said housing to supply said signals to said taps, said network being rendered operative only when said switch is open.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3523212A
Cited
US3617811A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-04-28 | 1978-10-28 | 1979-04-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-04-28 | 1982-10-28 | 1983-04-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-04-28 | 1986-10-28 | 1987-04-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |