US5566056A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Coaxial transmission line surge arrestor
Assignee: TII Industries Inc
•
Filing: 1994-12-08
•
Granted: 1996-10-15
•
Expires: 2014-12-08
Abstract
Abstract A coaxial transmission line surge arrestor comprising a hollow conductive body having coaxial connectors mounted thereon and a gas discharge tube located inside the hollow metal body, the gas discharge tube having a hollow conductive housing and a center conductor having an axis parallel to the direction of signal transmission, the diameter of the center conductor being dimensioned for matching the impedance of the surge arrestor to that of the transmission line, the RF signal flowing through said gas discharge tube.
Inventors
- 👤 Nisar A. Chaudhry
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 15:02
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R24/00; H01R24/38; H01R24/40; H01R24/42; H01R24/48; H01T; H01T4/00; H01T4/08; H01T4/10; H01T4/12; H01R13/00; H01R13/66; H01R13/68; H01R2103/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 114
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
A surge arrestor for coaxial transmission lines comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having two coaxial connectors that are axially aligned with each other; (b) a gas discharge tube located in said hollow conductive body and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing, said housing being in electrical contact with said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, and (5) the diameter of said conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
A surge arrestor for coaxial transmission lines comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having two coaxial connectors that are axially aligned with each other; (b) a gas discharge tube located in said hollow conductive body and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing, said housing being in electrical contact with said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, and (5) the diameter of said conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
154 words
A surge arrestor for coaxial transmission lines comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having two coaxial connectors that are disposed at right angles to each other; (b) a gas discharge tube located in said hollow conductive body and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing, said housing being in electrical contact with said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission; and (5) the diameter of said conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
154 words
A surge arrestor for coaxial transmission lines comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having two coaxial connectors that are disposed at right angles to each other; (b) a gas discharge tube located in said hollow conductive body and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing, said housing being in electrical contact with said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission; and (5) the diameter of said conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
161 words
A surge arrestor for coaxial transmission lines comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube located in said hollow conductive body and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing, said housing being in electrical contact with said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, (5) the diameter of said conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line, and (c) means for mounting said surge arrestor on a printed circuit board.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
161 words
A surge arrestor for coaxial transmission lines comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube located in said hollow conductive body and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing, said housing being in electrical contact with said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, (5) the diameter of said conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line, and (c) means for mounting said surge arrestor on a printed circuit board.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
201 words
A surge arrestor for coaxial transmission lines comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube located in said hollow conductive body and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing, said housing being in electrical contact with said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, (5) the diameter of said conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line, and (c) a ground clip electrically connected to said conductor of said gas discharge tube and a thermally sensitive insulator which normally electrically insulates said ground clip from said hollow conductive housing but which permits an electrical connection between said ground clip, said conductive housing and said conductor when said gas discharge tube overheats.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
201 words
A surge arrestor for coaxial transmission lines comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube located in said hollow conductive body and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing, said housing being in electrical contact with said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, (5) the diameter of said conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line, and (c) a ground clip electrically connected to said conductor of said gas discharge tube and a thermally sensitive insulator which normally electrically insulates said ground clip from said hollow conductive housing but which permits an electrical connection between said ground clip, said conductive housing and said conductor when said gas discharge tube overheats.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
159 words
A surge arrestor for coaxial transmission lines comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube located in said hollow conductive body and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing, said housing being in electrical contact with said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, said inert gas comprising a mixture of neon and argon, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, and (5) the diameter of said conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
159 words
A surge arrestor for coaxial transmission lines comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube located in said hollow conductive body and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing, said housing being in electrical contact with said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, said inert gas comprising a mixture of neon and argon, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, and (5) the diameter of said conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
173 words
A surge arrestor for coaxial transmission lines comprising: (a) hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube located in said hollow conductive body and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing, said housing being in electrical contact with said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, said insulating ends being formed from a ceramic material, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, (5) the diameter of said conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line, and (6) wherein the portions of said ceramic insulating ends that contact said conductive housing are metallized.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
173 words
A surge arrestor for coaxial transmission lines comprising: (a) hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube located in said hollow conductive body and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing, said housing being in electrical contact with said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, said insulating ends being formed from a ceramic material, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, (5) the diameter of said conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line, and (6) wherein the portions of said ceramic insulating ends that contact said conductive housing are metallized.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The surge arrestor of claim 6 wherein the portions of said ceramic insulating ends that contact said conductor are also metallized.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
173 words
A surge arrestor for coaxial transmission lines comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube located in said hollow conductive body and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing, said housing being in electrical contact with said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, (5) the diameter of said conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line, and (6) wherein the exterior surface of said conductor and the interior surface of said housing are symmetrical around said longitudinal axis of said conductor.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
173 words
A surge arrestor for coaxial transmission lines comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube located in said hollow conductive body and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing, said housing being in electrical contact with said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, (5) the diameter of said conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line, and (6) wherein the exterior surface of said conductor and the interior surface of said housing are symmetrical around said longitudinal axis of said conductor.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
The surge arrestor of claim 8 wherein the outer diameter of said conductor is reduced for a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
170 words
A coaxial connector with an integral coaxial transmission line surge arrestor comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that siqnal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing which is an integral part of said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, said insulating ends being formed from a ceramic material, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, (5) the diameter of said conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line, and (6) wherein the portions of said ceramic insulating ends that contact said conductive housing are metallized.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
170 words
A coaxial connector with an integral coaxial transmission line surge arrestor comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that siqnal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing which is an integral part of said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, said insulating ends being formed from a ceramic material, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, (5) the diameter of said conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line, and (6) wherein the portions of said ceramic insulating ends that contact said conductive housing are metallized.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
The coaxial connector of claim 10 wherein the portions of said ceramic insulating ends that contact said conductor are also metallized.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
142 words
A coaxial connector with an integral coaxial transmission line surge arrestor comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing which is an integral part of said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission; and (5) the diameter of said conductor is varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
142 words
A coaxial connector with an integral coaxial transmission line surge arrestor comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing which is an integral part of said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission; and (5) the diameter of said conductor is varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
16 words
The coaxial connector of claim 12 wherein said insulating ends are formed from a ceramic material.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
146 words
A surge arrestor for coaxial transmission lines comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube located in said hollow conductive body and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing, said housing being in electrical contact with said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission; and (5) the diameter of said conductor is varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
146 words
A surge arrestor for coaxial transmission lines comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube located in said hollow conductive body and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing, said housing being in electrical contact with said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission; and (5) the diameter of said conductor is varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
16 words
The surge arrestor of claim 14 wherein said insulating ends are formed from a ceramic material.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
189 words
A surge arrestor for coaxial transmission lines comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube located in said hollow conductive body and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing, said housing being in electrical contact with said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, (5) the diameter of said conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line, and (6) wherein at least a portion of the interior surface of said housing and at least a portion of the exterior surface of said conductor are roughened for concentrating electric fields and facilitating reliable operation of said gas discharge tube.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
189 words
A surge arrestor for coaxial transmission lines comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube located in said hollow conductive body and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing, said housing being in electrical contact with said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, (5) the diameter of said conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line, and (6) wherein at least a portion of the interior surface of said housing and at least a portion of the exterior surface of said conductor are roughened for concentrating electric fields and facilitating reliable operation of said gas discharge tube.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
17 words
The surge arrestor of claim 16 wherein said surface roughening takes the form of threads or serrations.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
27 words
The surge arrestor of claim 16 wherein at least one of said insulating ends has radial striping to further facilitate reliable operation of said gas discharge tube.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
193 words
A surge arrestor for coaxial transmission lines comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube located in said hollow conductive body and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow housing fabricated from two electrically insulating members and an electrically conductive member located between said two insulating members, (2) conductive ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a center conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission; (5) at least a portion of the interior surface of said conductive housing member and at least a portion of the exterior surface of said center conductor being roughened for conducting electric fields and facilitating reliable operation of said gas discharge tube; and (6) wherein the diameter of said conductor is varied along at least a portion of said conductor for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
193 words
A surge arrestor for coaxial transmission lines comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube located in said hollow conductive body and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow housing fabricated from two electrically insulating members and an electrically conductive member located between said two insulating members, (2) conductive ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a center conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission; (5) at least a portion of the interior surface of said conductive housing member and at least a portion of the exterior surface of said center conductor being roughened for conducting electric fields and facilitating reliable operation of said gas discharge tube; and (6) wherein the diameter of said conductor is varied along at least a portion of said conductor for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
29 words
The surge arrestor of claim 14 wherein the exterior surface of said conductor and the interior surface of said housing are symmetrical around said longitudinal axis of said conductor.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
17 words
The surge arrestor of claim 19 wherein said surface roughening takes the form of threads or serrations.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
185 words
A coaxial connector with an integral coaxial transmission line surge arrestor comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing which is an integral part of said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, (5) the diameter of said conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line, and (6) wherein at least a portion of the interior surface of said housing and at least a portion of the exterior surface of said conductor are roughened for concentrating electric fields and facilitating reliable operation of said gas discharge tube.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
185 words
A coaxial connector with an integral coaxial transmission line surge arrestor comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing which is an integral part of said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, (5) the diameter of said conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line, and (6) wherein at least a portion of the interior surface of said housing and at least a portion of the exterior surface of said conductor are roughened for concentrating electric fields and facilitating reliable operation of said gas discharge tube.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
17 words
The coaxial connector of claim 22 wherein said surface roughening takes the form of threads or serrations.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
27 words
The coaxial connector of claim 22 wherein at least one of said insulating ends has radial striping to further facilitate reliable operation of said gas discharge tube.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
169 words
A coaxial connector with an integral coaxial transmission line surge arrestor comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing which is an integral part of said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, (5) the diameter of said conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line, and (6) wherein the exterior surface of said conductor and the interior surface of said housing are symmetrical around said longitudinal axis of said conductor.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
169 words
A coaxial connector with an integral coaxial transmission line surge arrestor comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing which is an integral part of said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, (5) the diameter of said conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line, and (6) wherein the exterior surface of said conductor and the interior surface of said housing are symmetrical around said longitudinal axis of said conductor.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
27 words
The coaxial connector of claim 25 wherein the outer diameter of said conductor is reduced for a portion of the length of said conductor within said housing.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
47 words
The coaxial connector of claim 25 wherein the interior of said housing is divided into an active discharge region and an impedance matching region and the relative proportions of said regions are chosen for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said transmission line.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
27 words
The coaxial connector of claim 27 wherein the ratio of said impedance matching region to said gas discharge region is on the order of one to one.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
27 words
The coaxial connector of claim 27 wherein the ratio of said impedance matching region to said gas discharge region is on the order of two to one.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
176 words
A miniature gas discharge tube suitable for use in coaxial transmission line surge arrestors and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, the gas discharge tube comprising: (a) a hollow conductive housing; (b) a pair of insulating ends for sealing said housing; (c) an inert gas sealed in said housing; (d) a center conductor extending through said housing, said center conductor having a longitudinal axis which is oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission; (e) said conductive housing having an interior surface which is symmetric with respect to said longitudinal axis and said center conductor having an exterior surface which is symmetric with respect to said longitudinal axis; and (f) the ratio of the inner diameter D of said conductive housing to the outer diameter d of said center conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor for matching the impedance of said gas discharge tube to the impedance of said coaxial transmission line.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
176 words
A miniature gas discharge tube suitable for use in coaxial transmission line surge arrestors and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, the gas discharge tube comprising: (a) a hollow conductive housing; (b) a pair of insulating ends for sealing said housing; (c) an inert gas sealed in said housing; (d) a center conductor extending through said housing, said center conductor having a longitudinal axis which is oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission; (e) said conductive housing having an interior surface which is symmetric with respect to said longitudinal axis and said center conductor having an exterior surface which is symmetric with respect to said longitudinal axis; and (f) the ratio of the inner diameter D of said conductive housing to the outer diameter d of said center conductor being varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor for matching the impedance of said gas discharge tube to the impedance of said coaxial transmission line.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
18 words
The gas discharge tube of claim 30 wherein said inert gas comprises a mixture of neon and argon.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
19 words
The gas discharge tube of claim 30 wherein the ratio D/d varies by at least a factor of two.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
24 words
The gas discharge tube of claim 31 wherein said gas discharge tube has a breakdown voltage of on the order of 100 volts DC.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
19 words
The gas discharge tube of claim 32 wherein the ratio D/d varies by at least a factor of three.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
48 words
The gas discharge tube of claim 30 wherein at least a portion of said interior surface of said conductive housing and at least a portion of said exterior surface of said center conductor are roughened for concentrating electric fields and facilitating reliable operation of said gas discharge tube.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
18 words
The gas discharge tube of claim 35 wherein said surface roughening takes the form of threads or serrations.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
28 words
The gas discharge tube of claim 35 wherein at least one of said insulating ends has radial striping for further facilitating reliable operation of said gas discharge tube.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
17 words
The gas discharge tube of claim 30 wherein said insulating ends are formed from a ceramic material.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
22 words
The gas discharge tube of claim 38 wherein the portions of said ceramic insulating ends that contact said conductive housing are metallized.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
22 words
The gas discharge tube of claim 39 wherein the portions of said ceramic ends that contact said center conductor are also metallized.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
30 words
The gas discharge tube of claim 40 wherein the exterior surfaces of said ceramic ends have annular recesses in the regions where said center conductor projects from said ceramic ends.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
186 words
A miniature gas discharge tube suitable for use in coaxial transmission line surge arrestors and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, the gas discharge tube comprising: (a) a hollow conductive housing; (b) a pair of insulating ends for sealing said housing; (c) an inert gas sealed in said housing; (d) a center conductor extending through said housing, said center conductor having a longitudinal axis which is oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission; (e) said conductive housing having an interior surface which is symmetric with respect to said longitudinal axis and said center conductor having an exterior surface which is symmetric with respect to said longitudinal axis; and (f) the interior of said housing being divided into an active discharge region and an impedance matching region, the relative proportions of said regions being chosen for matching the impedance of said gas discharge tube to that of a coaxial transmission line and the diameter of said conductor is varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
186 words
A miniature gas discharge tube suitable for use in coaxial transmission line surge arrestors and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, the gas discharge tube comprising: (a) a hollow conductive housing; (b) a pair of insulating ends for sealing said housing; (c) an inert gas sealed in said housing; (d) a center conductor extending through said housing, said center conductor having a longitudinal axis which is oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission; (e) said conductive housing having an interior surface which is symmetric with respect to said longitudinal axis and said center conductor having an exterior surface which is symmetric with respect to said longitudinal axis; and (f) the interior of said housing being divided into an active discharge region and an impedance matching region, the relative proportions of said regions being chosen for matching the impedance of said gas discharge tube to that of a coaxial transmission line and the diameter of said conductor is varied along at least a portion of the length of said conductor.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
28 words
The gas discharge tube of claim 42 wherein the proportion of said impedance matching region to said active discharge region is on the order of one to one.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
28 words
The gas discharge tube of claim 42 wherein the proportion of said impedance matching region to said active discharge region is on the order of two to one.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
18 words
The gas discharge tube of claim 42 wherein said inert gas comprises a mixture of neon and argon.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
23 words
The gas discharge tube of claim 45 wherein said gas discharge tube has a breakdown voltage on the order of 100 volts DC.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
47 words
The gas discharge tube of claim 42 wherein at least a portion of the interior surface of said housing and at least a portion of the exterior surface of said center conductor are roughened for concentrating electric fields and facilitating reliable operation of said gas discharge tube.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
18 words
The gas discharge tube of claim 47 wherein said surface roughening takes the form of threads or serrations.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
27 words
The gas discharge tube of claim 47 wherein at least one of said insulatings has radial striping for further facilitating reliable operation of said gas discharge tube.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
17 words
The gas discharge tube of claim 41 wherein said insulating ends are formed from a ceramic material.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
22 words
The gas discharge tube of claim 50 wherein the portions of said ceramic insulating ends that contact said conductive housing are metallized.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
22 words
The gas discharge tube of claim 51 wherein the portions of said insulating ends that contact said center conductor are also metallized.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
195 words
A method of protecting a coaxial transmission line with a surge arrestor comprising the steps of: (a) electrically connecting a first conductor of a first transmission line section to a hollow conductive housing having a pair of insulating ends for sealing said housing and an inert gas therein; (b) electrically connecting a second conductor of said first transmission line section to a first end of a center conductor extending through said housing, said center conductor having a longitudinal axis which is oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, said conductive housing, said insulating ends and said center conductor forming a gas discharge tube, the interior surface of said conductive housing and the exterior surface of said center conductor are symmetric about said longitudinal axis and the ratio of the inner diameter D of said conductive housing to the outer diameter d of said center conductor is varied along at least a portion of the length of said center conductor for matching the impedance of said gas discharge tube to the impedance of said transmission line; and (c) passing a signal from said first transmission line section through said gas discharge tube.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
195 words
A method of protecting a coaxial transmission line with a surge arrestor comprising the steps of: (a) electrically connecting a first conductor of a first transmission line section to a hollow conductive housing having a pair of insulating ends for sealing said housing and an inert gas therein; (b) electrically connecting a second conductor of said first transmission line section to a first end of a center conductor extending through said housing, said center conductor having a longitudinal axis which is oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, said conductive housing, said insulating ends and said center conductor forming a gas discharge tube, the interior surface of said conductive housing and the exterior surface of said center conductor are symmetric about said longitudinal axis and the ratio of the inner diameter D of said conductive housing to the outer diameter d of said center conductor is varied along at least a portion of the length of said center conductor for matching the impedance of said gas discharge tube to the impedance of said transmission line; and (c) passing a signal from said first transmission line section through said gas discharge tube.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 53 wherein the ratio D/d varies by at least a factor of two.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 54 wherein the ratio D/d varies by at least a factor of three.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method of claim 53 further comprising the steps of: (a) electrically connecting a first conductor of a second transmission line section to said conductive housing; (b) electrically connecting a second conductor of a second transmission line section to a second end of said center conductor; and (c) passing a signal from said first transmission line section through said gas discharge tube and to said second transmission line section.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
49 words
The method of claims 53 or 56 wherein at least a portion of the interior surface of said conductive housing and at least a portion of the exterior of surface of said center conductor are roughened to concentrate electric fields for facilitating reliable operation of said gas discharge tube.
Claim 75
Independent Claim
18 words
The method of claims 53 or 56 wherein said insulating ends of said gas discharge tube are ceramic.
Claim 76
Independent Claim
39 words
The method of claims 53 or 56 wherein said insulating ends of said gas discharge tube are ceramic and said ceramic ends are metallized in the regions where said ceramic ends contact said conductive housing and said center conductor.
Claim 77
Independent Claim
60 words
The method of claims 53 or 56 wherein at least a portion of the interior surface of said conductive housing and at least a portion of the exterior of surface of said center conductor are roughened to concentrate electric fields for facilitating reliable operation of said gas discharge tube and said surface roughening takes the form of threads or serrations.
Claim 78
Independent Claim
50 words
The method of claims 53 or 56 wherein the interior of said housing is divided into an active discharge region and an impedance matching region and the relative proportions of said regions are chosen for matching the impedance of said gas discharge tube to that of said coaxial transmission line.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 61 wherein said coaxial transmission line has an impedance of about 50 ohms and the proportion of said impedance matching region to said active discharge region is on the order of one to one.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 61 wherein said coaxial transmission line has an impedance of about 12 ohms and the proportion of said impedance matching region to said active discharge region is on the order of two to one.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
186 words
A surge arrestor for coaxial transmission lines comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube located in said hollow conductive body and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing, said housing being in electrical contact with said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a center conductor extending through said housing, said center conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, the interior surface of said housing and the exterior surface of said center conductor being symmetric with respect to said longitudinal axis; and (5) the ratio of the inner diameter D of the conductive housing to the outer diameter d of the center conductor is varied along at least a portion of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of the surge arrestor to the impedance of the transmission line.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
186 words
A surge arrestor for coaxial transmission lines comprising: (a) a hollow conductive body having at least one coaxial connector mounted thereon; (b) a gas discharge tube located in said hollow conductive body and adapted for connection in series with said transmission line such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing, said housing being in electrical contact with said conductive body, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a center conductor extending through said housing, said center conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission, the interior surface of said housing and the exterior surface of said center conductor being symmetric with respect to said longitudinal axis; and (5) the ratio of the inner diameter D of the conductive housing to the outer diameter d of the center conductor is varied along at least a portion of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of the surge arrestor to the impedance of the transmission line.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
18 words
The surge arrestor of claim 64 wherein the ratio D/d varies by at least a factor of two.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
18 words
The surge arrestor of claim 65 wherein the ratio D/d varies by at least a factor of 3.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
17 words
The surge arrestor of claim 64 wherein said inert gas comprises a mixture of neon and argon.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
23 words
The surge arrestor of claim 67 wherein said gas discharge tube has a breakdown voltage of on the order of 100 volts DC.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
39 words
The surge arrestor of claim 64 wherein said hollow conductive body includes a hollow recess external to said gas discharge tube which is dimensioned for matching the impedance of said surge arrestor to that of said coaxial transmission line.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
21 words
The surge arrestor of claim 69 wherein said recess is at least partially filled with a dielectric material other than air.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
46 words
The surge arrestor of claim 64 wherein at least a portion of the interior surface of said housing and at least a portion of the exterior surface of said center conductor are roughened for concentrating electric fields and facilitating reliable operation of said gas discharge tube.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
17 words
The surge arrestor of claim 71 wherein said surface roughening takes the form of threads or serrations.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
27 words
The surge arrestor of claim 71 wherein at least one of said insulating ends has radial striping to further facilitate reliable operation of said gas discharge tube.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
49 words
The surge arrestor of claim 64 wherein the interior of said housing is divided into an active discharge region and an impedance matching region and the relative proportions of said regions are chosen for matching the impedance of said gas discharge tube to that of said coaxial transmission line.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
27 words
The surge arrestor of claim 74 wherein the proportion of said impedance matching region to said active discharge region is on the order of one to one.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
27 words
The surge arrestor of claim 74 wherein the proportion of said impedance matching region to said active discharge region is on the order of two to one.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
16 words
The surge arrestor of claim 64 wherein said insulating ends are formed from a ceramic material.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
25 words
The surge arrestor of claim 77 wherein said ceramic ends are metallized in the regions where they contact said conductive housing and said center conductor.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
26 words
The surge arrestor of claim 78 wherein at least one of said ceramic ends has radial striping to facilitate reliable operation of said gas discharge tube.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
167 words
A coaxial transmission line surge arrestor system comprising: (a) a first transmission line section; (b) a second transmission line section; and (c) a gas discharge tube connected in series between said first and second transmission line sections such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a center conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission; and (5) exterior surface of said center conductor and the interior surface of said housing are symmetric about said longitudinal axis and the ratio of the inner diameter of the conductive housing to the outer diameter of the center conductor is varied along at least portion of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said gas discharge tube to the impedance of said coaxial transmission line.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
167 words
A coaxial transmission line surge arrestor system comprising: (a) a first transmission line section; (b) a second transmission line section; and (c) a gas discharge tube connected in series between said first and second transmission line sections such that signal flow is through said gas discharge tube, said gas discharge tube comprising (1) a hollow conductive housing, (2) insulating ends adapted to seal said housing, (3) an inert gas sealed in said housing, (4) a center conductor extending through said housing, said conductor having a longitudinal axis oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of signal transmission; and (5) exterior surface of said center conductor and the interior surface of said housing are symmetric about said longitudinal axis and the ratio of the inner diameter of the conductive housing to the outer diameter of the center conductor is varied along at least portion of said conductor within said housing for matching the impedance of said gas discharge tube to the impedance of said coaxial transmission line.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system according to claim 80 further including both current limiting and low voltage protection.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system according to claim 80 further including both current limiting and fail short protection.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
11 words
A system according to claim 82 further including low voltage protection.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
11 words
A system according to claim 80 further including low voltage protection.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system according to claim 80 further including fail short protection which connects said center conductor to ground in the event said surge arrestor overheats.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system according to claim 85 wherein said fail short protection includes a thermally sensitive material.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
13 words
A system according to claim 86 wherein said thermally sensitive material is FEP.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
11 words
A system according to claim 80 further including current limiting protection.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system according to claim 84 wherein said current limiting protection comprises a resistance electrically connected in series with said center conductor.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system according to claim 88 wherein said current limiting protection comprises an inductance electrically connected in series with said center conductor.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system according to claim 88 wherein said low voltage protection comprises an avalanche diode electrically connected between said center conductor and ground.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system according to claim 91 wherein said low voltage protection further includes a ferrite bead electrically connected in series with said avalanche diode.
Claim 112
Independent Claim
53 words
A system according to claims 88, 85 or 84 wherein the interior of said housing is divided into an active discharge region and an impedance matching region and the relative proportions of said regions are chosen for matching the impedance of said gas discharge tube to the impedance of said coaxial transmission line.
Claim 113
Independent Claim
60 words
A system according to claims 88, 85 or 84 wherein at least a portion of the interior surface of said housing and at least a portion of the exterior surface of said center conductor are roughened for concentrating electric fields and facilitating reliable operation of said gas discharge tube and said surface roughening takes the form of threads or serrations.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system according to claim 94 wherein at least one of said insulating ends includes stripping to further facilitate reliable operation of said gas discharge tube.
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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) | 1999-10-15 | 2000-04-15 | 2000-10-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-10-15 | 2004-04-15 | 2004-10-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-10-15 | 2008-04-15 | 2008-10-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |