US4635297A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Overload protector
Assignee: ATLANTIC MICROWAVE Corp
•
Filing: 1985-12-26
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Granted: 1987-01-06
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Expires: 2005-12-26
Abstract
Abstract An overload protector, using a power-dissipating element for receiving and dissipating excessive radio-frequency power, can safely transfer a signal from an input to an output. The protector also has a detector coupled to the input for providing a bias current in response to an input signal in excess of a predetermined magnitude. Also included in a diverter coupled to the input, the output, the power-dissipating element and the detector. This diverter can receive the bias current and can, in response, redirect power at the input from the output to the power-dissipating element.
Inventors
- 👤 Andrey Polischuk
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 15:32
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03G; H03G3/00; H03G3/20; H03G3/30; H03G3/3036; H03G3/3042; H03G3/3047; G; G01; G01S; G01S7/00; G01S7/02; G01S7/03; H03G11/00; H03G11/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 40
Claim 1
Independent Claim
217 words
An overload protector, operating at at least a radio-frequency for safely transferring signals from an input to an output, said overload protector producing the power required for operation of said overload protector entirely from a signal at said input in excess of a predetermined magnitude, said overload protector comprising: a power-dissipating element; a detection means coupled to said input for producing a bias current in response to a signal at the input in excess of a predetermined magnitude; and diversion means coupled to said input, to said output, to said power-dissipating element and to said detection means for receiving said bias current, said diversion means being operable in response to said bias current to redirect power at said input away from said ouptut to said power-dissipating element, said diversion means including reloading means connected to said power-dissipating element for gating thereto signals from said input in response to said bias current; said diversion means further being comprised of a diversion transmission means coupled between said input and said power-dissipating element for conveying signals therebetween; and a second transmission means coupled between said reloading means and said power-dissipating element for conveying signals therebetween, said diversion transmission means and said second transmission means each being in effect longer than one-eighth of the wavelength of the radio frequency signals therein.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
217 words
An overload protector, operating at at least a radio-frequency for safely transferring signals from an input to an output, said overload protector producing the power required for operation of said overload protector entirely from a signal at said input in excess of a predetermined magnitude, said overload protector comprising: a power-dissipating element; a detection means coupled to said input for producing a bias current in response to a signal at the input in excess of a predetermined magnitude; and diversion means coupled to said input, to said output, to said power-dissipating element and to said detection means for receiving said bias current, said diversion means being operable in response to said bias current to redirect power at said input away from said ouptut to said power-dissipating element, said diversion means including reloading means connected to said power-dissipating element for gating thereto signals from said input in response to said bias current; said diversion means further being comprised of a diversion transmission means coupled between said input and said power-dissipating element for conveying signals therebetween; and a second transmission means coupled between said reloading means and said power-dissipating element for conveying signals therebetween, said diversion transmission means and said second transmission means each being in effect longer than one-eighth of the wavelength of the radio frequency signals therein.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
An overload protector according to claim 1 wherein said first transmission means is in effect an odd multiple of quarter wavelengths long.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
An overload protector according to claim 2 wherein said second transmission means is in effect an odd multiple of quarter wavelengths long.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
66 words
An overload protector according to claim 3 wherein said diversion means comprises: interrupt means for decoupling said input and output in response to said bias current; and a third transmission means coupled between said interrupt means input and the junction of said input and said first transmission means for conveying signals therebetween, said third transmission means being in effect an odd multiple of quarter wavelengths long.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
An overload protector according to claim 4 wherein said diversion means comprises: a fourth transmission means, open at one end and connected at its other end to the junction of said reloading means and said second transmission means, said fourth transmission means being in effect a multiple of half-wavelengths in length.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
171 words
An overload protector, operating at at least a radio-frequency for safely transferring signals from an input to an output, said overload protector producing the power required for operation of said overload protector entirely from a signal at said input in excess of a predetermined magnitude, said overload protector comprising: a power-dissipating element; a detection means coupled to said input for producing a bias current in response to a signal at the input in excess of a predetermined magnitude; diversion means coupled to said input, to said output, to said power-dissipating element and to said detection means for receiving said bias current, said diversion means being operable in response to said bias current to redirect power at said input away from said output to said power-dissipating element; and a directional coupler having two pairs of ports, duplex transmission occurring within each pair, one pair being separately connected to said input and said diversion means, from the other pair of ports at least one of said ports being connected to said detection means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
171 words
An overload protector, operating at at least a radio-frequency for safely transferring signals from an input to an output, said overload protector producing the power required for operation of said overload protector entirely from a signal at said input in excess of a predetermined magnitude, said overload protector comprising: a power-dissipating element; a detection means coupled to said input for producing a bias current in response to a signal at the input in excess of a predetermined magnitude; diversion means coupled to said input, to said output, to said power-dissipating element and to said detection means for receiving said bias current, said diversion means being operable in response to said bias current to redirect power at said input away from said output to said power-dissipating element; and a directional coupler having two pairs of ports, duplex transmission occurring within each pair, one pair being separately connected to said input and said diversion means, from the other pair of ports at least one of said ports being connected to said detection means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
An overload protector according to claim 6 further comprising: a limiter diode connected between a reference potential and the junction between said output and said diversion means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
47 words
An overload protector according to claim 7 wherein said diversion means comprises: reloading means connected to said power-dissipating element for coupling thereto signals of said input in response to said bias current; and interrupt means for decoupling said input and output in response to said bias current.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
An overload protector according to claim 8 wherein said detection means comprises a relatively high-speed Schottky diode.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
An overload protector according to claim 8 wherein said reloading means and said interrupt means each comprise: an impedance varying diode connected for forward biasing by said bias current.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
71 words
An overload protector according to claim 10 wherein said diversion means further comprises: a diversion transmission means coupled between said input and said power-dissipating element for conveying signals therebetween; and a second transmission means coupled between said reloading means and said power-dissipating element for conveying signals therebetween, said diversion transmission means and second transmission means each being in effect longer than one-eighth of the wavelength of the radio frequency signals therein.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
An overload protector according to claim 11 wherein said diversion transmission means is in effect an odd multiple of quarter wavelengths long.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
130 words
A radio frequency detection system comprising: a radio frequency power source; an antenna; phased means having at least a first, second and third port, said first and second ports being connected to said antenna and power source, respectively, said first port being phased to communicate with said second and third port, said second and third ports being phased to prevent communication between themselves; a power-dissipating element; a processing means for responding to signals having a predetermined pattern to produce a detected signal; and a protector means coupled to said power-dissipating element, said third port and said processing means for diverting signals issuing at said third port away from said processing means to said power-dissipating element, whereby said processing means is protected from input signals in excess of a predetermined magnitude.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
130 words
A radio frequency detection system comprising: a radio frequency power source; an antenna; phased means having at least a first, second and third port, said first and second ports being connected to said antenna and power source, respectively, said first port being phased to communicate with said second and third port, said second and third ports being phased to prevent communication between themselves; a power-dissipating element; a processing means for responding to signals having a predetermined pattern to produce a detected signal; and a protector means coupled to said power-dissipating element, said third port and said processing means for diverting signals issuing at said third port away from said processing means to said power-dissipating element, whereby said processing means is protected from input signals in excess of a predetermined magnitude.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
34 words
A radio frequency detection system according to claim 13 wherein said phased means comprises a waveguide circulator and said protector means comprises a microstrip circuit, said system further comprising: a waveguide to microstrip transition.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
67 words
A radio frequency detection system according to claim 13 wherein said protector means comprises: a first transmission strip, effectively one-quarter wavelength long, coupled between said third port and said power-dissipating element for conveying signals therebetween; a shunting diode; and a second transmission strip, effectively one-quarter wavelength long, coupled between one terminal of said shunting diode and the junction of said power-dissipating elements and said first transmission strip.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
79 words
A radio frequency detection system according to claim 15 further comprising: a limiting diode having one terminal coupled to said processing means; a third transmission strip, effectively one-quarter wavelength long, coupled between said third port and the junction of said limiting diode and said processing means; and a fourth transmission strip, effectively a multiple of half wavelengths long, having one end open and the other end connected to the junction of said shunting diode and said second transmission strip.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
145 words
A protector operating at at least a radio frequency for selectively transferring power from an input to an output, comprising: a main transmission means coupled between said input and output for conveying power therebetween; a power-dissipating element; a diversion transmission means coupled between said input and said power-dissipating element for conveying power therebetween; a reflex means coupled to said diversion transmission means for reflecting power on said diversion transmission means away from said power-dissipating element; an operative means for producing a bias current for altering the extent of reflection provided by said reflex means; and a cancellation means coupled to said main transmission means for reflecting power thereon away from said output, said operative means being operable to alter simultaneously the extent of reflection provided by said reflex and cancellation means; whereby said protector can divert power away from said output to said power-dissipating element.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
145 words
A protector operating at at least a radio frequency for selectively transferring power from an input to an output, comprising: a main transmission means coupled between said input and output for conveying power therebetween; a power-dissipating element; a diversion transmission means coupled between said input and said power-dissipating element for conveying power therebetween; a reflex means coupled to said diversion transmission means for reflecting power on said diversion transmission means away from said power-dissipating element; an operative means for producing a bias current for altering the extent of reflection provided by said reflex means; and a cancellation means coupled to said main transmission means for reflecting power thereon away from said output, said operative means being operable to alter simultaneously the extent of reflection provided by said reflex and cancellation means; whereby said protector can divert power away from said output to said power-dissipating element.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
145 words
A protector operating at at least a radio frequency for selectively transferring power from an input to an output, comprising: a main transmission means coupled between said input and output for conveying power therebetween; a power-dissipating element; a diversion transmission means coupled between said input and said power-dissipating element for conveying power therebetween, said diversion transmission means including a line segment, its length effectively one-quarter of the wavelength of signals thereon, coupled between said power-dissipating element and said input; a reflex means coupled to said diversion transmission means for reflecting power on said diversion transmission means away from said power-dissipating element; and an operative means for producing a bias current for altering the extent of reflection provided by said reflex means, said operative means being operable to short said power-dissipating element, whereby said protector can divert power away from said output to said power-dissipating element.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
145 words
A protector operating at at least a radio frequency for selectively transferring power from an input to an output, comprising: a main transmission means coupled between said input and output for conveying power therebetween; a power-dissipating element; a diversion transmission means coupled between said input and said power-dissipating element for conveying power therebetween, said diversion transmission means including a line segment, its length effectively one-quarter of the wavelength of signals thereon, coupled between said power-dissipating element and said input; a reflex means coupled to said diversion transmission means for reflecting power on said diversion transmission means away from said power-dissipating element; and an operative means for producing a bias current for altering the extent of reflection provided by said reflex means, said operative means being operable to short said power-dissipating element, whereby said protector can divert power away from said output to said power-dissipating element.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
68 words
A protector according to claim 18 wherein said reflex means comprises: a line stub, its length effectively three-quarters of the wavelength of signals thereon, having one end open and the other end connected to said power-dissipating element; and a shunt means coupled at a mid-section of said line stub for shorting it at an effective distance from said power-dissipating element of one-quarter of the wavelength of signals thereon.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
143 words
An overload protector operating at at least a radio frequency for safely transferring signals from an input to an output, comprising: a power-dissipating element; a detection means coupled to said input for producing a bias current in response to a signal at the input in excess of a predetermined magnitude; diversion means coupled to said input, to said output, to said power-dissipating element and to said detection means for receiving said bias current, said diversion means being operable in response to said bias current to redirect power at said input away from said output to said power-dissipating element; and a directional coupler having two pairs of ports, duplex transmission occurring within each pair, one pair being separately connected to said input and said diversion means, from the other pair of ports at least one of said ports being connected to said detection means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
143 words
An overload protector operating at at least a radio frequency for safely transferring signals from an input to an output, comprising: a power-dissipating element; a detection means coupled to said input for producing a bias current in response to a signal at the input in excess of a predetermined magnitude; diversion means coupled to said input, to said output, to said power-dissipating element and to said detection means for receiving said bias current, said diversion means being operable in response to said bias current to redirect power at said input away from said output to said power-dissipating element; and a directional coupler having two pairs of ports, duplex transmission occurring within each pair, one pair being separately connected to said input and said diversion means, from the other pair of ports at least one of said ports being connected to said detection means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
27 words
An overload protector according to claim 20 further comprising: a limiter diode connected between a reference potential and the junction between said output and said diversion means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
47 words
An overload protector according to claim 21 wherein said diversion means comprises: reloading means connected to said power-dissipating element for coupling thereto signals of said input in response to said bias current; and interrupt means for decoupling said input and output in response to said bias current.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
17 words
An overload protector according to claim 22 wherein said detection means comprises a relatively high-speed Schottky diode.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
29 words
An overload protector according to claim 22 wherein said reloading means and said interrupt means each comprise: an impedance varying diode connected for forward biasing by said bias current.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
70 words
An overload protector according to claim 24 wherein said diversion means further comprises: a diversion transmission means coupled between said input and said power-dissipating element for conveying signals therebetween; and a second transmission means coupled between said reloading means and said power-dissipating element for conveying signals therebetween, said diversion transmission and second transmission means each being in effect longer than one-eighth of the wavelength of the radio frequency signals therein.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
An overload protector according to claim 25 wherein said diversion transmission means is in effect an odd multiple of quarter wavelengths long.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
148 words
An overload protector operating at at least a radio-frequency for safely transferring signals from an input to an output, comprising: a power-dissipating element; a detection means coupled to said input for providing a bias current in response to a signal at the input in excess of a predetermined magnitude; diversion means coupled to said input, to said output, to said power-dissipating element and to said detection means for receiving said bias current, said diversion means being operable in response to said bias current to redirect power at said input away from said output to said power-dissipating element; a radio frequency source; an antenna; and a circulator having at least three ports, one of said ports being connected to said antenna, the other two ports being (a) in communication with the antenna but not with each other, and (b) separately connected to said radio frequency source and said input.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
148 words
An overload protector operating at at least a radio-frequency for safely transferring signals from an input to an output, comprising: a power-dissipating element; a detection means coupled to said input for providing a bias current in response to a signal at the input in excess of a predetermined magnitude; diversion means coupled to said input, to said output, to said power-dissipating element and to said detection means for receiving said bias current, said diversion means being operable in response to said bias current to redirect power at said input away from said output to said power-dissipating element; a radio frequency source; an antenna; and a circulator having at least three ports, one of said ports being connected to said antenna, the other two ports being (a) in communication with the antenna but not with each other, and (b) separately connected to said radio frequency source and said input.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
184 words
An overload protector operating at at least a radio frequency for safely transferring signals from an input to an output, comprising: a power-dissipating element; a detection means coupled to said input for providing a bias current in response to a signal at the input in excess of a predetermined magnitude; diversion means coupled to said input, to said output, to said power-dissipating element and to said detection means for receiving said bias current, said diversion means being operable in response to said bias current to redirect power at said input away from said output to said power-dissipating element, said diversion means including reloading means connected to said power-dissipating element for gating thereto signals from said input in response to said bias current, said diversion means comprising: a diversion transmission means coupled between said input and said power-dissipating element for conveying signals therebetween and a second transmission means coupled between said reloading means and said power-dissipating element for conveying signals therebetween, said diversion transmission means and second transmission means each being in effect longer than one-eighth of the wavelength of the radio frequency signals therein.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
184 words
An overload protector operating at at least a radio frequency for safely transferring signals from an input to an output, comprising: a power-dissipating element; a detection means coupled to said input for providing a bias current in response to a signal at the input in excess of a predetermined magnitude; diversion means coupled to said input, to said output, to said power-dissipating element and to said detection means for receiving said bias current, said diversion means being operable in response to said bias current to redirect power at said input away from said output to said power-dissipating element, said diversion means including reloading means connected to said power-dissipating element for gating thereto signals from said input in response to said bias current, said diversion means comprising: a diversion transmission means coupled between said input and said power-dissipating element for conveying signals therebetween and a second transmission means coupled between said reloading means and said power-dissipating element for conveying signals therebetween, said diversion transmission means and second transmission means each being in effect longer than one-eighth of the wavelength of the radio frequency signals therein.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
22 words
An overload protector according to claim 28 wherein said diversion transmission means is in effect an odd multiple of quarter wavelengths long.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
22 words
An overload protector according to claim 29 wherein said second transmission means is in effect an odd multiple of quarter wavelengths long.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
66 words
An overload protector according to claim 30 wherein said diversion means comprises: interrupt means for decoupling said input and output in response to said bias current; and a third transmission means coupled between said interrupt means input and the junction of said input and said diversion transmission means for conveying signals therebetween, said third transmission means being in effect an odd multiple of quarter wavelengths long.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
52 words
An overload protector according to claim 31 wherein said diversion means comprises: a fourth transmission means open at one end and connected at its other end to the junction of said reloading means and said second transmission means, said fourth transmission means being in effect a multiple of half wavelengths in length.
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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) | 1990-01-05 | 1990-07-07 | 1991-01-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-01-05 | 1994-07-07 | 1995-01-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-01-05 | 1998-07-07 | 1999-01-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |